Priming Bulb Problems

[Jrock59761]

Hey Guys,  I was wonder if anyone else has the issues that I seem to have every season.  I have to replace the priming bulb almost every year.  Either it seems to harden or the check valve fails.  I have been buying whatever Bass Pro has in stock.  This year it's the brand attwood.  Are there any that are better than the rest or is this a normal item that needs to be replaced.  Thanks

[djkimmel]

Not normal. I've had the same one for almost 20 years. Are you putting any kind of treatment in your gas tank?

[Jrock59761]

Yes, I put a treatment in every season.  The boat is kept inside all season and stored in a heated building during the winter.  I didn't mind spending more money if there was a brand that was better than the rest.

[motocross269]

With the Ethanol in the Gas you are hearing more and more of this...
Your gas line may be breaking down from the ethanol and causing issues with the Fuel bulb..If the fuel bulbs you are buying aren't rated to withstand ethanal that could explain your high failure rate...If you have grey fuel line it isn't ethanol proof...

I don't know what kind of boat you have but Bass Cat sells a complete fuel line and bulb in a kit that is ethanol resistent...It obviously would work on any rig and I think it is only around 25 bucks or so...

I have seen pictures from guys with pretty new rigs that replaced their fuel lines...They were breaking down pretty bad after only a couple of years...

Everyone needs to put Ethanol fighter additives in every tank full..Not just for storage..There are a bunch of brands out there, I am using merc stuff because of warranty issues but with my Evinrude I ran Marine stabil or Startron and had no issues....(After I upgraded my fuel system)

[Redbone]

I think in 2012 all primer bulbs are designed (maybe even mandated) to withstand ethanol. In the previous years they were not. I know Attwood is now that way anyway.  If you bought an Attwood this year, you should be good to go.

I'm due for a new one.  Even though I have not had any trouble with mine. More so to get the newer version.

[djkimmel]

Good advice to check out the fuel lines at the beginning of each season. If I had not had the same one for so long I might be more helpful on brands or models but I did think, as stated above the newer models from everyone should be made to handle ethanol.

[Cy]

I had issues with my primer ball a couple years ago.  I replaced with a cheap one and it was still an issue.  I then replaced it again with another cheaper one thinking the really cheap one was the issue and that one sucked too.  Lastly I bought an OEM ball and quality fuel line and haven't had an issue since.  Spend a little extra and stop buying one every year.

Cy

[Waterfoul]

We sell Moeller brand at my store... and I've never had a reported issue with them.  Attwood is making them now that meet all the "new" standards for ethanol and the EPA evaporation requirements.  You should have no issues.  Never heard of anyone needing to replace the bulb every season....

[Jrock59761]

Thanks for the information guys!