Should Primer Bulb Fill With Gas? [Question Answered]

When a primer bulb suddenly stops getting filled with gas, it’s definitely worrisome. But staying put isn’t the best solution. Therefore, you have to take proper action before the bulb gets totally useless. 

So, should primer bulb fill with gas? 

In short, yes it should. The primer bulb creates a vacuum when it gets pressed. This pressure then forces the gasoline to enter the carburetor. So, if it isn’t getting filled with gas, it’s not seating properly or discharging air. Luckily, there are some fixes if your bulb isn’t filled with gas. 

However, that was only a summary of the whole discussion. Please, read along if you want to know information. 

Why Should Your Primer Bulb Always Fill With Gas?

 

The fuel system is connected to the carburetor through a primer bulb. When a primer bulb is pressed, it passes the air towards the carburetor piston. 

It then creates a vacuum inside the primer bulb. This forces the fuel to come out of the fuel tank. But before entering the carburetor, it enters the primer bulb.
So, a primer bulb should always be filled with gasoline. 

3 Things To Do When The Primer Bulb Isn’t Filling With Gas 

Since a primer bulb works on a daily basis; it can easily become defective. Most of the time, it’s a problem with the bulb itself.

However, we have mention different reasons for the problem with their solutions-

Reason 1: A Faulty Primer Bulb May Have Leakage 

If a primer bulb has a leakage,  it can’t push air properly. This prevents the primer from creating a necessary vacuum. As a result, the fuel supply gets interrupted. 

Fix: Apply Some Duct Tape Or Super Glue 

First, we’ve to detach the carburetor from the fuel line. After that, unfasten the throttle linkage. After that, get a screwdriver and unscrew the screws from the bottom plate. 

Now, inspect closely and look for any cracks. Also, clean the plate and the inside of the bulb with a soft cloth. 

If there’s any hole or a crack, apply an appropriate amount of duct tape. After that, apply it from both inside and outside. 

However, if you’re using super glue, gluing from the inside will be enough. 

When done, put the metal plate back in and re-screw the screws. Now, run the engine and check whether it’s working or not. 

Reason 2: Heavily Defective Primer Bulb Won’t Fill Up Gas 

If you’re dealing with something larger than a crack, you’ve to install a new one. Also, replacing a primer bulb will help us find the root of the problem. 

Fix: Install a New Primer Bulb

To install a new primer bulb, we’re going to require the following tools – 

• New Primer Bulb
• Screwdriver

First, open up the carburetor and get the old bulb out. A plier would help if you’re having a hard time pulling it out. 

Now, clean the plate and remove possible debris or gunk from it. When you’re done, put the new bulb on the plate. Then align the plate and re-screw them tightly.

With that, the primer bulb replacement is complete. Now, start the engine and check whether the problem is fixed or not. 

If this doesn’t fix this issue, we’ll have to venture further. 

Speaking of primer bulbs, here are some of our recommended picks – 

Now, you can easily grab whichever you like and get the old one replaced! 

Reason 3: A Clogged Fuel Line Can Interrupt Gasflow 

There’s a possibility that the fuel line isn’t connected properly. Though the chances are pretty thin, sometimes a fuel line can get clogged or jammed. 

To solve this issue, we’re going to remove and install a new fuel line. 

Fix: Install a New Fuel Line 

Installing a new fuel line requires a set of tools, such as : 

• Needle-nosed Pliers
• Metal Wire 
• Bar Oil 
• Metal Hook
• Fuel Container

First, open up the gas tank and pour all the gas out in a container. Then start the engine and let it run out of gasoline. 

Detach the air filter and carburetor respectively. Then get the needle-nosed pliers and unhook the fuel line from the carburetor.

Now, get a metal wire and bend one of the sides to make a hook. Now use the hook to pull them out. When it’s almost out, grab the end with a needle-nosed plier and pull it out. 

Next, get a measurement of 6 inches and cut a fuel line from the rolls. After that, taper one side of the fuel line. 

Make a 45-degree angle in the fuel line and insert the longest part inside. Now, insert the hook and the new fuel line. When you reach the other side of the carburetor, cut the tapered end. 

Then, pull the rest till it reaches the elbow connector. After that, maintain 1-2 inches inside the tank and cut the excess part out. 

Once done, put the nozzle into the fuel line’s end. Hook the fuel line back to the elbow connector. 

Reinstall the air filter and the carburetor by re-screwing all the screws. When you’re done, fill in the fuel in the tank.

If a new primer bulb couldn’t fix the issue, this definitely will. Although these issues are lengthy and may seem bothersome. 

In that case, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I bypass the primer bulb?

Answer: No, not really. A primer bulb makes sure a proper amount of gasoline flows to the carburetor. So, without it, the balance will be ruined. 

Question: Why is my primer bulb not working?

Answer: In almost all cases, the bulb is at fault for not working. It gets ruined or torn with long-time usage. 

Question: Why is there a primer bulb on small engines?

Answer: The primer works as a connection between the carburetor and fuel line. It draws a fixed amount of fuel to supply inside the carburetor. 

Conclusion

Anyways, we hope we were able to satisfy your curiosity about should primer bulb fill with gas. Those were all the methods we could come up with. 

So, have any of these methods fixed your problem? Share your inquiry in the comment section below. 

Finally, good luck!