Is a fuel primer bulb legit?

[BigAl.NZ]

What PSI should a primer pump for a Perkins 4108 be? They seem to have a few from about 3-4 PSI and going up in increments from there.

https://www.facet-purolator.com/tech-information/

[BenBowSirocco]

We have been using a primer bulb for outboard motors for years with great success to prime up through first lift pump. There are threads about it. My good friend with a Perkins 4108 says it changed his life. haha
No wiring required.

[BigAl.NZ]

Originally Posted by BenBowSirocco

We have been using a primer bulb for outboard motors for years with great success to prime up through first lift pump. There are threads about it. My good friend with a Perkins 4108 says it changed his life. haha
No wiring required.

Tried that, but decided to go whole hog and get a electric one.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by BigAl.NZ

What PSI should a primer pump for a Perkins 4108 be? They seem to have a few from about 3-4 PSI and going up in increments from there.

https://www.facet-purolator.com/tech-information/

For any filter that comes after the pump, check it’s max. pressure rating. I use a Walbro plunger pump that slows down or stops at 7psi.

[Martkimwat]

The engine driven fuel pump is normally only rated at a very low pressure since it is the injector put that is doing all the hard work, the fuel pump or a primer bulb is only a delivery system. As long as it can get an adequate flow of fuel from A to B, the injector pump does the rest. As an example, the Yanmar GM series fuel delivery pumps only provide about 0.3 L/min at 1.4 psi (0.1kgf/scm) at around 1000rpm. If you can find a bulb that delivers 2~3psi and can pull the fuel up from a nearly empty tank, to the injector head, you should be fine.

[StoneCrab]

If you worry about a fuel bulb going bad, bursting and dumping gallons of fuel into the bilge, I'd have to say that you should re-visit your pre starting check list.

Don't you check the oil and inspect the engine before getting underway?

The bulb will show signs of aging before failure.

Look at it periodically

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by GordMay

SAE & ISO

The U.S. Coast Guard addresses fuel line requirements in the code of federal regulations (CFR) that applies to recreational boats: CFR Title 33, Type A1-15.
Ratings & approvals are primarily determined on two factors, permeability and fire resistance. Particularly with volatile gasoline, permeability is a concern due to vapor build up. If it is in an enclosed space "below deck" (Type A) it must not give off explosive vapors. Manufacturers often refer to hose as "above deck"/"topside" (B) or "below deck" (A) hose, which is simply a way of phrasing the permeability rating.
SAE J1527 & ISO Type A1 are a couple fuel line of Standards
The North American rating system for marine hose is known as SAE J1527 and it provides for grades as follows:
A1-fuel feed hose; has a fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Least permeable with highest fire resistance.
A2-fuel vent hose; has a fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times.
B1-fuel feed hose; without fire resistant cover; is designed to have fuel in the hose at all times; intended for non-enclosed spaces. Diesel engines or above deck outboard gasoline applications.
B2-fuel vent hose; without fire resistant cover; is not designed to have fuel in the hose at all times. Diesel vent lines.

This section is for gasoline systems.
§ 183.501 Applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to all boats that have gasoline engines, except outboard engines, for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion.



I am not aware of a USCG section that applies to recreational boats with diesel engines. Please post.