My fuel primer bulbs are lasting about 3 to 6 months.
They rot out and start spraying me and allowing air into the line.
Regular replacement seems the best answer.
The bulb that came with mine lasted years, so what gives?
What bulbs have you guys been using?
Any last for reasonable times?
Fuel Primer Bulb
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leefrankpierce
- First Officer
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- Location: Dallas Ft-Worth Texas
- Russ
- Admiral
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Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
My original bulb is still serviceable. 17 years old and still going. I don't know what BWY used when they installed it.
Last year I replaced my entire fuel line and added this one. It seems to be hold up well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2X1BTB?re ... tle_6&th=1
Last year I replaced my entire fuel line and added this one. It seems to be hold up well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2X1BTB?re ... tle_6&th=1
--Russ
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leefrankpierce
- First Officer
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Dallas Ft-Worth Texas
Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
tks, will try it.
26X in Dallas Fort-Worth area Texas
Slip at Eagle Mountain Lake

Slip at Eagle Mountain Lake
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45Plus+
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Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
I haven't had this problem (yet) but I think ethanol in gasoline can ruin gas lines. I had a chainsaw that had its fuel lines and primer bulb go to mush likely due to ethanol and me forgetting to add an appropriate fuel treatment. Perhaps the same is true for marine fuel lines and components? I'd like to think the manufacturers would have rolled with the times and created more resilient fuel system components though.
Duncan
PS - having lots of fun destroying the Christmas lights on the top of the webpage....very distracting to getting real things done

Duncan
PS - having lots of fun destroying the Christmas lights on the top of the webpage....very distracting to getting real things done
- Russ
- Admiral
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- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:01 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26M
- Location: Bozeman, Montana "Luna Azul" 2008 M 70hp Suzi
Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
It's somewhat cathartic isn't it?
Good point on the Ethanol. I had a fuel line literally crumble first year of use. It may have been ethanol that did it.
NOW I ensure to use pure ethanol free gas. There are other reasons to avoid ethanol in boats. Attracts water and our boats are floating in water.
--Russ
- Be Free
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Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
I think you just got a bad bulb. I don't think I've every had less than 15 years on a fuel line or bulb.
Bill
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
2001 26X Simple Interest
Honda BF40D
"If I were in a hurry I would not have bought a sailboat." Me
- dlandersson
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Re: Fuel Primer Bulb
3 - 6 months sounds off. I replace mine every 5 years (just to be safe). Never actually had a problem.
leefrankpierce wrote: ↑Mon Dec 08, 2025 11:08 am My fuel primer bulbs are lasting about 3 to 6 months.
They rot out and start spraying me and allowing air into the line.
Regular replacement seems the best answer.
The bulb that came with mine lasted years, so what gives?
What bulbs have you guys been using?
Any last for reasonable times?
