That was really helpful. Just changed all my fuel lines and bulb, but I could get it to prime. Watched your video and then went out and put the bulb vertical and instantly primed! Thanks

I keep coming back to your video… boat had sat for a few years prior to me getting it. So I drained tank cleaned carbs and replaced filter. Go run it 15 minutes in bulbs flat. Replace anti syphon valve pick up tube and all new fuel lines and new pump. Tank vent is clear. Primer bulb is also new. Just went out on water and 15min in bulb is flat.

@Skinnyriver

2 күн бұрын

That’s crazy, it has to be upstream. Generally bulbs going flat has to be a blockage or issue between the tank side of the bulb to the tank vent. This creates low pressure at the bulb. But it sounds like you checked everything.. try cracking the fuel cap just to rule out venting issue. Hold bulb vertical and shake it before priming to get the check valves in position. If you haven’t, change the fuel line between bulb and tank. Check fuel pickup in the tank, could be blocked

thanks for your videos. Pre-preparing helps, but there's nothing like good old fashion experience out on the water lol. My bulb was sucking flat, not sure what was going on, I kept squeezing it and flooded the engine. Then I used your trick of starting on full throtle and it worked! So now I have your insight on what might be going wrong with the bulb, I suspect faulty air valve on the gas tank.

Thanks buddy, that's how it is done.

Great tips

@Skinnyriver

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the view!

Folks need to be aware that if you change your fuel line and install a new bulb , be sure to ensure that the bulb tips are inserted within the lumen of the liner inside the fuel line . Otherwise it can fold over and trap or impede fuel flow to the point of cutting out the engine. The larger the engine or the higher fuel demand the more the liner gets pulled away from the inside wall

@Skinnyriver

5 күн бұрын

Great point thanks!

Great video. Should priming ball loose pressure after sitting for a day or so? I always need to pump it back up after sitting for awhile. Maybe that's normal, please let me know what you think. Thanks

@Skinnyriver

Ай бұрын

Yeah I think it’s normal. The ball valves that keep the gas from flowing back into the tank are probably not 100% watertight for hrs and hrs, you will probably loose some pressure

@Skinnyriver

Ай бұрын

***check valves are probably not 100% watertight for hrs so you will lose some pressure overtime

Good video, nice and to the point. Now if I can just find someone with a boat :-)

@Skinnyriver

10 ай бұрын

Ha ha yeah always best to have a friend with a boat than owning one yourself!!!

@tp-mh2ji

10 ай бұрын

I've got a boat I'm going to part with... Good Video!

Hi I recently bought a lightly used 2023 Mercury 6HP. It’s running great but it dies when idling. Even when it’s been used all day. Is there a way to adjust the idle? (I’m running it with an external tank) Many thanks!

@Skinnyriver

9 ай бұрын

Yeah there is an idle adjustment screw on the carb. Look up idle speed screw or fuel air mixture screw and you will know what it looks like

@jonboatmorava9115

9 ай бұрын

Holy cow a 2023 and there's issues. I'll never get my 88 right

Hi, I have brand new mercury 4hp 4 stroke and have issue that motor runs at max 2200 rpm where manual says ~4000-5000rpm. It is on inflatable boat kolibri km330dl. I followed strictly the manual for first hours of usage. Oil is level is correct. I'm using internal fuel tank and honda fuel stabiliser for the fuel. Motor starts easy no issues there. I'm masuring rpm with tachometer wrapped around on the coil part and its measuring correct as on another motor shows correct rpm. Max speed is 10kmh, with or without passengers. What could be the problem motor to run only ro 2200 rpm? Is that normal for first 20 hours of usage before changing oil ? On neutral it revs more but I dont want to rev it higher when not on gear. Great content and videos. Thanks. :)

@Skinnyriver

10 ай бұрын

I think your motor is probably fine. Inflatables are generally harder to plane out and put a larger load on a motor that a flat bottom Jon boat. It’s just the nature of inflatables. Does the boat plane out really well? My motor runs at 2500 rpm until I get it to plane then it increases to 4000. If it’s not planing out look at changing the trim position (probably lower it) and put your weight in the front of the boat when you accelerate.

@SpinningOnTheFly

10 ай бұрын

@@Skinnyriver Thanks. I'm new in boating and outboards and not sure when is planing exactly :D. Sometimes probably its almost planing as engine try to increase the rmp for a second and again lower the rpm to 2200 - 2250.Like a quick hit feels like. I check all the stuff like air leaks, fuel leaks and etc. all looks ok and couple of times I also think about inflatables that this is what is it :D. Will try lowest trim position and alone in boat. I tried one time alone but trim was higher and boat just go higher very quickly. Best results are one person in the front and me on the back and probably almost planing. I'm thinking to change carburator from 6hp to give it a little bit more chance for planning :) Thanks mate. Great channel and help for all outboard owners. Keep going :)

@Skinnyriver

10 ай бұрын

Yeah try lower trim position, by yourself and try to lean your weight forward as much as possible as you accelerate to see if it planes out. Higher trim positions can raise the front of the boat too much and it puts a large load on the motor that can prevent it from getting to those higher RPMs. When you plane out it’s like a sweet spot where the boat is kinda level but the nose is hovering above the water. Lowered water resistance = more speed

@SpinningOnTheFly

10 ай бұрын

@@Skinnyriver I see now why some people extend gas handle to the middle of the boat :)

Hello Skinny River , Is there a problem if the priming pump is punctured? Can I encounter problems with my engine?

@Skinnyriver

Ай бұрын

Usually if it’s punctured it won’t keep the system primed (pressured) or it will simply leak gas. I would replace, they are cheap

@rebleanurobert5360

Ай бұрын

I ask because I was driving the engine at maximum speed and it stopped suddenly and I don't know why (it's about a engine Honda 5 hp 2018)

@Skinnyriver

Ай бұрын

@rebleanurobert5360 man I doubt the priming bulb would cause your engine to just die. You would probably have issues before the motor got up to speed

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