How to Replace a Primer Bulb on a Briggs & Stratton Mower

Over the winter months, the fuel in your lawnmower can become stale. Since it's not being fired up every week, it's a common occurrence. One of the byproducts of stale fuel is the deterioration of the primer bulb, which is responsible for bringing a small amount of gasoline to the throat opening of the engine carburetor. With a malfunctioning primer bulb, your Briggs & Stratton mower is as good as dead.

Things You'll Need

• 2 small slotted screwdrivers
• 1 Phillips screwdriver
• 1 Briggs & Stratton replacement primer bulb
• 1 Briggs & Stratton primer bulb removal tool (optional)

Instructions

1. Locate the primer bulb on your lawnmower engine. It should have a red cap around the circumference of the bulb.

2. Remove the long screw from the air filter. Clean and replace if necessary. Removal of the air filter allows you to physically remove the primer bulb with ease.

3. Pull off the red plastic ring surrounding the primer bulb.

4. Using the two slotted screwdrivers, wedge one in each of the notches on either side of the primer bulb housing to move the retaining clip forward. When it becomes visibly loose, grab it with your fingers and pull it out. The primer bulb will follow suit.

5. Replace with new primer bulb and housing, making sure to keep the flat side of the retaining clip out.

6. Replace the air filter.

Tips & Warnings

• Briggs & Stratton makes a primer bulb removal tool (part #19461) that eliminates the need for the two slotted screwdrivers in Step 4. It fits around the retaining clip into the slots and allows you to pull the entire unit out in one fell swoop.

References

• Briggs & Stratton; Rubber primer bulb worn/broken
• Bill Hensley's Random Blog; Replacing a Briggs and Stratton primer bulb

Resources

• Ron Stultz.com; Small Gasoline Engine Primer Bulb"
• Briggs & Stratton Primer Bulb
• Briggs & Stratton Primer Bulb Removal Tool