Primer bulb issue

[chrisrub]

I had the carbs professionally rebuilt in the fall. They told me there was a lot of water in the carbs when I picked them up after the rebuild. It was recommended that I try to siphon out any water in the tank before I tried to run the engine again. I did so by putting a hose to the bottom of the tank and pumping out what was there. I did not encounter any water at that point. It was also recommended I change out the fuel/water separator, so that was replaced at that point as well.

It was not long after the rebuild that I started having the problem with the primer bulb and starting issues. The carbs were originally leaking (floats stuck) and that's why I went for the rebuild.

For some background, I'm running an OMC 1.6L SeaDrive outboard.

[tsubaki]

Check the separator and be suspicious of water in the bowls of the carbs....again.
Stuck floats usually are water or varnish (old gas) in the gas.
Unless you can actually see that you have siphoned all the fluid out the tanks, chances are there may be a quart or so left. Water and trash being heavier will be left.

If I'm overlooking something, somebody please chime in!

[tsubaki]

Oh, don't rule out the filter at the engine. Have seen them with a calcium type buildup clogging them.

[macojoe]

I agree with the water!! I had the same issue a few years back, I drained the whole tank and used a rag to dry it out good, you should have seen the stuff I found in there!



You have to make sure all is clean to start!! And this new gas loves water!! So a good water separator is a must!! I use a Racor with a clear bowl and drain so I can see the water and drain it.
A new ball will also take away from the guessing game, but make sure to get a good one! I have got junk ones right out the box when you buy them junk no name ones.

[ssiredfish]

Originally Posted by macojoe

I agree with the water!! I had the same issue a few years back, I drained the whole tank and used a rag to dry it out good, you should have seen the stuff I found in there!



You have to make sure all is clean to start!! And this new gas loves water!! So a good water separator is a must!! I use a Racor with a clear bowl and drain so I can see the water and drain it.
A new ball will also take away from the guessing game, but make sure to get a good one! I have got junk ones right out the box when you buy them junk no name ones.

How did you get a rag in there. The only opening I have on mine is the where the FSU goes in and I know I can't get in there.

I opened mine up this weekend and had a few small terds in it but less than .1" of gas. I was told the Racor would pull it out. Would yall agree??????