How to Replace a Primer Bulb in a Lawn Mower
The primer bulb on a lawnmower brings up a small amount of gasoline into the throat of the engine carburetor when you push the bulb. A primer bulb that has cracks or excessive wear will not function properly. You should replace a primer bulb in a lawnmower to keep your mower running as it should. Most hardware stores carry replacement primer bulbs for many of the well known makers like Craftsman and Briggs and Stratton. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flathead screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Replacement bulb
- 3/8-inch socket
- Hammer
Instructions
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1
Pull the spark plug wire from the spark plug. Pull the wire at the boot where the wire covers the spark plug. Locate the primer bulb on your mower. Most lawn mower models will have the primer bulb near the fuel tank toward the front side.
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2
Remove the single screw that secures the air filter housing to the mower with a flathead screwdriver. The air cleaner housing restricts your ability to reach the retaining clip around the primer bulb. You should clean or replace the air filter since the housing is off of the lawn mower.
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3
Locate the retaining ring that secures the primer bulb to the mower. On a Briggs and Stratton, you will need to pull off the plastic red cap from around the primer bulb before you can see the retaining clip.
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4
Remove a Briggs and Stratton primer bulb retaining clip by inserting the blade of a small flathead screwdriver into a notch on one side of the clip and move the clip forward. Move the screwdriver to the opposite side of the clip and press the clip forward. Once the clip unlocks from the housing you can pull the clip off by hand. Pull the bulb away from the motor.
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5
Insert a screwdriver under the start washer clip that secures the primer bulb on a Craftsman mower. Carefully pry one side up and then move the screwdriver to the other side of the clip and pry the clip off. Remove the primer bulb from the mower if it did not come off with the clip.
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Position the new primer bulb over the hole in the engine housing and slip the retaining ring over the bulb and housing. Place the open end of a 3/8-inch socket over the clip and gently tap the clip over the housing hole with a hammer. Remember to place the red cap ring back over the primer bulb on the Briggs and Stratton mower engine.
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7
Set the air cleaner housing back into position and secure the housing with the long retaining screw. Push the spark plug wire back over the spark plug until it pops into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Although the removal process may vary slightly, installation is similar on all lawnmower engines.
Always disconnect the spark plug before attempting repairs on a lawnmower to prevent accidental starts.
References
- Photo Credit fress cut grass image by Photography Freak from Fotolia.com
