I am looking for a primer bulb on an old lawn mower. I have looked all over the damn mower, and the internet looking for the answer. The engine is a Briggs & Stratton 3.5HP model number 92982. The mower is branded Montgomery Ward. That is all the information I can get from it because of rust and dings that hide other information. I know you guys will come through for me! Please help me find the primer bulb!
A lawn mower challenge...
- Thread starter Pastore
- Start date
Mermaidman
Diamond Member
- Sep 4, 2003
- 7,987
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Have you tried calling a shop that services lawnmowers and other small engines? Might be easier to consult the experts 
Ahhh I guess I was kind of vague as to my question. I can't find the primer bulb on the mower. It's there somewhere, but I can't find it. I've looked all over the engine and can't find it anywhere.
I just got back to work, spent my whole lunch hour looking for it, so no pics until tonight. I have used probably a half dozen mowers over the years, and the primer bulbs are always somewhere easily visible. No way you'd be able to see this thing from pics, I stared at the thing in person for an hour!
That's a possibility. I didn't really want to think about having to diagnose another problem. A missing primer bulb would have been just too easy I guess.
EDIT: Actually that isn't a possibility. The lady said that she used it last year and there was a primer but now doesn't remember where it is. So unless she is insane (not ruling that out), it's got to be somewhere. She said it was hidden somewhere (wtf?).
Mermaidman
Diamond Member
- Sep 4, 2003
- 7,987
- 93
- 91
It would be in plain sight right on the body of the carburetor. If it isn't there, it doesen't have one.
If it was missing, it would be pretty obvious that the bulb was gone.
Waiting for pics...
If it was missing, it would be pretty obvious that the bulb was gone.
Waiting for pics...
Seek the parts here.
Incidentally, I've heard the Chinese now own B&S.
Recommendation: Take off the air filter & pour some injector cleaner into the carburetor. Also pour some injector cleaner into the gas tank.
Then pull the starter rope a couple of times to suck it into the fuel line.
Then let sit about 1 day.
Next time you try to start it, you'll be amazed how much easier it kicks off.
Also, if it absolutely won't start, you can unscrew the spark plug and put about a tablespoon of gas directly into the cylinder. That works.
And, it helps to make sure the fuel/air mixture screw is properly adjusted, because they vibrate out. Screw all the way down tight, then back it off 1.5 turns.
Finally, remember to change the oil about once a year. I wash the air cleaners with the laundry every few months, keeps them breathing free.
Incidentally, I've heard the Chinese now own B&S.
Recommendation: Take off the air filter & pour some injector cleaner into the carburetor. Also pour some injector cleaner into the gas tank.
Then pull the starter rope a couple of times to suck it into the fuel line.
Then let sit about 1 day.
Next time you try to start it, you'll be amazed how much easier it kicks off.
Also, if it absolutely won't start, you can unscrew the spark plug and put about a tablespoon of gas directly into the cylinder. That works.
And, it helps to make sure the fuel/air mixture screw is properly adjusted, because they vibrate out. Screw all the way down tight, then back it off 1.5 turns.
Finally, remember to change the oil about once a year. I wash the air cleaners with the laundry every few months, keeps them breathing free.
Ok I think I found it. Instead of it being a standard bulb it looks like it's a soft rubber elbow that comes out of the carb. I still can't get it started though so I guess I'll have to start replacing filters and stuff.
JasonSix78
Platinum Member
- Mar 5, 2005
- 2,020
- 1
- 0
Try a new spark plug or take the old one out and clean the tip if it's fouled/gunked up.
-Jason
Edit: one thousand posts...woo-hoo! :beer:
-Jason
Edit: one thousand posts...woo-hoo! :beer:
skyking
Lifer
- Nov 21, 2001
- 22,777
- 5,939
- 146
Briggs of that design don't have a primer. The tecumseh carbs had primers.
Gas these days is only good for about 6 months, and after that it loses so much of the aromatics that is does not start worth two craps.
Drain out the old gas, if you have not already. Put in new gas, remove the spark plug and pull the rope a dozen times or so. if you can smell the new gas smell down by the plug hole, you're good to go. If not, something is plugged up in the carb.
Gas these days is only good for about 6 months, and after that it loses so much of the aromatics that is does not start worth two craps.
Drain out the old gas, if you have not already. Put in new gas, remove the spark plug and pull the rope a dozen times or so. if you can smell the new gas smell down by the plug hole, you're good to go. If not, something is plugged up in the carb.
If he removes the spark plug and cranks it, there will be no vacuum during the intake stroke.. so it won't be drawing fuel/air.. lol
Zenmervolt
Elite member
- Oct 22, 2000
- 24,514
- 44
- 91
Primer bulb is typically part of the carburetor, if it's there at all. If the carb has a choke, then it will not have a primer.
ZV
ZV
If you do drain the gas, you can put it in your car. Cars now, with everything computer controlled, etc., won't have any problem with it. Plus it'll be diluted so much. Keeps you from pouring it out or trying to burn it or something.
Before doing that, if it had a primer bulb, you might could start it using the bulb. Has worked for me several times. Else spray some starting fluid in the air cleaner (or take off air cleaner and pour a tiny bit of gas in carb).
Couldn't spraying injector cleaner and leaving it overnight eat plastic/rubber? That stuff is potent.
Before doing that, if it had a primer bulb, you might could start it using the bulb. Has worked for me several times. Else spray some starting fluid in the air cleaner (or take off air cleaner and pour a tiny bit of gas in carb).
Couldn't spraying injector cleaner and leaving it overnight eat plastic/rubber? That stuff is potent.
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