Where to put T for primer

The other Alex

(Jetdude)
Location
Lake St. Clair--
Put it in the reserve line!
You can't put it in the return line, there is no straw going to the bottom of the tank from the return hole, so when you pump the primer it wouldnt suck up any fuel.
Reserve line has a straw that goes to the bottom. Or the main pick-up line if you dont have a reserve line.
 
Location
Delaware
surferdude345 said:
yea i have no res so i guess main line it is

I've heard many say don't run on the main line as it restricts flow... I have mine on the 'ON' going right to the primer and the reserve feeding the carb, no Fuel selector.....
 

The other Alex

(Jetdude)
Location
Lake St. Clair--
I dont have a reserve line either. My main is blocked off with just a line running straigh from the reserve pick-up to the carb, and from the carb back to the return. So I had no choice but to put the T in the main line.
The restricting flow thing does worry me somewhat though, but even if you put it in your reserve line, then you have to worry about it when you're running reserve, so it doesnt really make a difference.

My next idea is to somehow rig a straw going in the vent or pickup, so I can run my primer straight out of there and not worry about restricting flow...
 

RMBC Freeride

Vintage
Location
Pueblo, CO
Seriously... RUN IT IN THE RETURN LINE!!!! This will avoid air leaks in your fuel supply line which is the main problem, not restriction.

If you run it in the lowest point of your RETURN line there will usually be enough fuel there to get it started. Besides, the fuel pump system is a continuous loop... as you crank the ski, some fuel will bypass the carbs filling your return line in a short amount of time.

Trust me it works!!! Been doing it this way for 10 years!
 

Boris

The Good Old Days
I always put mine in the return line and where possible I try to have the T-fitting at the bottom of a loop(or a section of line that sags down).
That way There is always enough fuel trapped there to start the motor.

Air leaks are bad, mmkay.
 
if your fuel system is dry what good is a primer if the fuel has to go through the carb first before it gets picked up?
put in the main line after the fuel filter!
you will have much faster starts and less starter grindage!
 

hangtime

Speak up ,don't kiss azz
My return line is never dry .My return line dips down after it goes through the wire tie that holds it to the other fuel lines and it ALWAYS has fuel in it at the low spot :biggrin:
To each his own .
that's why he asked to get all the different opinions to make his own decision from all the opinions .:cool2:
 

The other Alex

(Jetdude)
Location
Lake St. Clair--
vomitspot said:
if your fuel system is dry what good is a primer if the fuel has to go through the carb first before it gets picked up?
put in the main line after the fuel filter!
you will have much faster starts and less starter grindage!

My point exactly!
To each his own. I couldnt prime my carb when the system was dry, even after I had fuel ccranking into the carb, there wasnt enough in the return to spray ANY in my carb to prime it.

If no one has had a problem in the main line with restriction, I am going to keep it there. It's just peace of mind for me.
 

RMBC Freeride

Vintage
Location
Pueblo, CO
So how does your piece of mind feel, knowing that primers are notorious for going bad (losing part of their sealing capability) and developing an air leak right into your fuel supply line.

I'll take one hard start per season over a lean seisure any day.
 

Matt_E

steals hub caps from cars
Site Supporter
Location
at peace
I simply disconnected my primer. I ran one all season last year and noticed one thing - a motor with properly tuned carbs and ignition doesn't need to be primed (or choked) to start.
 

Mouthfulloflake

ISJWTA member #2
Location
NW Arkansas
Ive got primers that have lost the ability to suck fuel in a couple of boats.

they arent running lean.

there is still residual fuel in the line from the primer, the plunger simply cant move it in or out anymore.

I run them in whichever line is easier to get to.

But then again, my junk isnt jetted on the BRINK of destruction either.

I dont like replacing starters, OR rebuilding engines.
 

The other Alex

(Jetdude)
Location
Lake St. Clair--
The peace of mind for me is when I take a dump in the middle of the channel, and need a prime to get the engine going fast again before I get mowed to pieces. Or if I run dry and need to get the motor going again before I get mowed down. I plan on putting a reserve line back on, so if I run it out in the middle of the channel, and switch to reserve, I want to get the motor start as fast as possible to get out of the way. I don't see how the hose connecting to the T can cause an air leak, I mean I see how it could, but I don't see how it is any different than where the hose hook up to the carb, or where the hose hooks to the fuel pickup, they can all develope leaks, thats why you check your lines every so often so you know when they are wearing and if there is a problem somewhere. Inspecting the fuel system should be part of routine maintenance for everyone anyways after you pull the ski out of the water.
 

simopimo

Schni Schna Schnappi
Jetdude, did anyone ever tell you to use the toilet instead of taking a dump in the channel? :smile:

Me not wanting to bump into your floaties!!!!!

>The peace of mind for me is when I take a dump in the middle of the channel,
 
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