Amazing outboard feature

[davidpm]

By mistake I forgot to squeeze the prime bulb on our outboard and it started anyway.
Since then I've been starting it without priming and it is starting every time.

Maybe that whole squeeze the prime bulb thing is just a myth.

This is after the motor has been sitting for 24 hours too.

[mitiempo]

I always thought the bulb was to get fuel flowing after changing tanks.

[silkscreeners]

Yes, you only need to squeeze when changing tanks or running out of fuel.
I learned the hard way by always squeezing the bulb and flooding
the engine.
Brian

[TQA]

Never squeeze mine even if it has not run for a week.

[mstern]

I was taught to squeeze the bulb before every start. I will try to start the engine without next time.

[OtterGreen]

interesting, ive never tried not squeezing, but as soon as i get into my slip i pull the fuel line and let the engine starve itself of fuel. ive heard mixed emotions on that but, after all the years of doing the same procedure i dont know if i want to go fussing with any changes. example, i notice my engine runs a little rich so i asked my friend whos an outboard mechanic about backing off on oil a bit. even though i use the recommended amount it seems to burn a bit of oil, moreso than other outboards. his response was " if its not broken dont fix it - it has run that way for some time and it is used to it " i agree, i dont want to have the engine get pissy on me when i need it the most because i made a small change on its diet

[dabnis]

Originally Posted by OtterGreen

interesting, ive never tried not squeezing, but as soon as i get into my slip i pull the fuel line and let the engine starve itself of fuel. ive heard mixed emotions on that but, after all the years of doing the same procedure i dont know if i want to go fussing with any changes. example, i notice my engine runs a little rich so i asked my friend whos an outboard mechanic about backing off on oil a bit. even though i use the recommended amount it seems to burn a bit of oil, moreso than other outboards. his response was " if its not broken dont fix it - it has run that way for some time and it is used to it " i agree, i dont want to have the engine get pissy on me when i need it the most because i made a small change on its diet

Rich at what speed? From about the early sixties, maybe longer, the
motors had fixed high speed jets with the only adjustment available being at idle, or a little above, speed. Suggest you stay with the Mfr's mixture ratio. Some time back I switched to synthetic oil and noticed somewhat less smoke.
If you are above 6,000 feet elevation or so you may be able to get a slightly smaller main jet but if you take it back to sea level you should put the stock jet back in as the smaller jet will make it run too lean, possibly causing it to seize if run flat out very long. In 2 strokes rich is not always bad unless you are fouling plugs.

Dabnis

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by mstern

I was taught to squeeze the bulb before every start. I will try to start the engine without next time.

Me too.
Maybe not based on what others have said.

[CapnBilll]

If you still have fuel in the float bowl, the fuel pump will suck all the fuel you need. If you run it dry you may have to pull awhile to get fuel from tank to carb, (if you don't squeeze).

[CapnBilll]

Originally Posted by silkscreeners

Yes, you only need to squeeze when changing tanks or running out of fuel.
I learned the hard way by always squeezing the bulb and flooding
the engine.
Brian

If your engine floods when you squeeze you need to change the float/float valve in your carb, (it is leaking).