How to use the primer. - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

ExciterRob · 11-07-2012, 03:40 PM

My boss picked up a '96 380 last fall. The first snow of the year last year and he couldn't get it started. Turns out he ended up flooding it out. Well, now a year later, he can't get it started again. This time, there is no fuel which tells me dirty carb, no problem. But, I would like to know the proper way to use the primer so he will be able to get it started everytime. Thanks for your input.

davidnnoah · 11-07-2012, 03:53 PM

Old primers are very temperamental. Often, the first 4 or 5 pumps on an old primer is nothing but air. Then, it finally grabs fuel and will feel just a little different. He'll need to learn this feeling. It only takes 1 or 2 shots of fuel to get an easy start. However, 1 shot too many and she'll flood for sure.
So, try 2 pumps, then pull twice. If no start, 2 more pumps, 2 more pulls. Repeat as necessary until he learns the slight difference between pumping air, and pumping fuel.
This is of course on a cold engine. A well tuned warm engine needs no priming.
Good luck.

**smallengineguy** · 11-08-2012, 03:17 AM

The primer will also make a different sound when it starts pumping fuel too.

davidnnoah · 11-08-2012, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smallengineguy

the primer will also make a different sound when it starts pumping fuel too.

x2

aduck · 11-08-2012, 11:09 AM

the nice squishy sound is priming. another thing to keep in mind is relative temp right now mine starts on one prime but come -10 it takes 3 primes. just got to play with it and figure what she likes. id also recommend replacing the current primer. i do mine every 1-2 years for piece of mind. if it starts getting flow by you'll foul plugs and ruin your day.

davidnnoah · 11-08-2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aduck

the nice squishy sound is priming. another thing to keep in mind is relative temp right now mine starts on one prime but come -10 it takes 3 primes. just got to play with it and figure what she likes. id also recommend replacing the current primer. i do mine every 1-2 years for piece of mind. if it starts getting flow by you'll foul plugs and ruin your day.

Hey Duck,
Where do you get your primers? Thanks.

aduck · 11-09-2012, 12:45 PM

local dealers or any where that sells parts really. pretty common replacement anywhere should have them in stock. i prefer the parts unlimited ones they seem to last longer.