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Newbie Question:

I have an 1993 90 HP Johnson 2 stroke. My engine runs great, but every time I refuel I can't get the engine restarted. I have to mix the fuel. It seems the last few times I refueled my above deck tank (26 gallon) and then pump the bulb 6-8 times, I can't get the engine started. Its only the next day, when I try it turns over after a few tries.

Did I flood the engine? what am I doing wrong?

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I normally don't pump the ball after I've ran it that day. You could be flooding it.

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I typically pump the ball a few times before a cold start. The rest of the day I leave it alone. I too think you're flooding it by pumping the ball so much.

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My thought process was that after refueling I needed to put pressure back into the fuel tank.
However, what you guys are saying, is that pumping the bulb is only to get a cold engine started, once warm, even though I opened the fuel tank and released pressure, there is no need to prime the engine since it is already warm and was running before.

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That is correct. You pump the ball only to prime tha carbs and get enough fuel in to have some pressure in the fuel line. Also the vent on your fuel tank should always be open. This is to keep from creating a vacuum in the tank and inhibiting fuel flow to the engine.

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The only time I had something like this happen I found that I had a small air leak in the fuel house by the primer bulb, how old is the house and bulb?

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I'm not sure how old the bulb or fuel line is. I bought the boat last year, they look like they are in good shape.

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If you're not sure of it's condition, I'd replace the fuel line and bulb. I replaced mine last year and it made a huge difference.

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Pumping the primer bulb doesn't (or at least shouldn't) be pressurizing the fuel tank. The fuel tank should be vented to the atmosphere and should never be pressurized.

The primer bulb simply pumps fuel to the engine's fuel system. If the bulb is in good condition and installed correctly, it should only require a few squeezes until the bulb becomes firm. Don't overdue it.

A common starting problem with carberated outboards seems to be the tendency to choke the engine too much which can easily result in flooding.

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Try without pumping the bulb, and see if that fixes your problem.

If it does, then you need to determine how pumping the bulb puts additional fuel into the motor - you could have a leaky valve or misadjusted float in one of your carbs, or possibly a problem with the primer valve, if the 90 has one.

Tim

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Thank You for all of your ideas!

I think I'm flooding the engine!
The next time I refuel, I won't prime the tank and see what happens. I will fill you in if that solves the proplem.

Thanks for your help!

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I've always gone on the theory that if the bulb is tight it doesn't need to be pumped any more

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All good suggestions, I'm with "Cliff" on this, a new fuel line and bulb can make a BIG difference in fuel delivery, check valves can get tired/worn and hang up, The Ball spring's often get weak as well, and can't push open the fuel lines all the way at connections but, of course "air" can get in. Make sure that the connection at the tank is good too. Make sure that your Fuel mix is correct, don't run the fuel mix too rich (even a little bit) or it can be difficult to start. Fresh spark plugs, and "Sea Foam" fuel additive can help as well.