Primers

[Jarrett1999]

What is the point of a primer I want to take mine off my ski but don't know if I need it's just ugly

 

[JamesG]

The primer can be useful to pump gas directly down your carbs into your intake or to simply just get the fuel all the way through your lines before starting (to prevent a lean start). It is usually used before a cold start, or to get the ski fired up after a bad wipeout (if the ski took in a small amount of moisture, the primer helps get fuel directly into your engine to start it up). They can leak and cause fuel issues and they aren't necessary if your carbs and fuel lines are properly set up. However, I still run one since it has saved my a$$ once or twice over the years.

 

[ticega306]

there are different types of primer pumps. if your just worried about looks, i find that the bulb types look better than the big plunger styles.

if the primer is already properly installed i would not remove it. they do come in handy sometimes.

 

[Quinc]

It is an upgrade over having a choke.

 

[NVJAY775]

When you're first starting out, they are handy I think. This is just my opinion and not trying to say others are wrong at all. For me they are just one more thing to go wrong and create a possible air leak, or they just fail. I've had my fair of failed primers. Bulbs and plungers. I like a simple and tight fuel system. I use a shot of flammable break cleaner to get mine fired initially. Then it's good for the weekend normally. But I ride 99.9% flatwater and don't want additional risk of a lean condition with my motor. Just my .02 fellas. Most competitive flatwater skis do not run primers.

 

[JetManiac]

If you install it on the return side, then there is no risk for air leaks messing with fuel supply.

Also to prime fuel lines with fuel on a yamaha, press and hold the stop button to kill spark and then press start to let fuel pump into lines. Let sit for a bit and vacuum will draw fuel through the lines. Do this several times before starting if initial startup after carb work or ona new build.

 

[SXIPro]

If you install it on the return side, then there is no risk for air leaks messing with fuel supply.

Also to prime fuel lines with fuel on a yamaha, press and hold the stop button to kill spark and then press start to let fuel pump into lines. Let sit for a bit and vacuum will draw fuel through the lines. Do this several times before starting if initial startup after carb work or ona new build.

That is great information right there. I wish I had known about the return line trick prior to losing a top end. Live and learn.

 

[Pro-pulsion]

That's how I run my primer too, off of the return line. If you are concerned with it not holding enough fuel, make the return line long enough to put a good long loop in it and "t" into the bottom of the loop. The loop fills up, plenty of reserve primer fuel for situations that call for it...and they do occur from time to time