Gas Leaking From A Primer Bulb On A Snowblower? (Fix It Now!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

Snowblowers are starting to become a requirement once more in our country, especially since fall is quickly coming to a close. Unfortunately, during those times of the year where snowblowers don’t see action, you might start to see more wear and tear due to neglect. While it usually isn’t that bad, sometimes it can cause your gas to leak from the primer bulb. So, how can you fix this?

After double-checking to see if gas is truly leaking from your bulb, check to see if the primer bulb is broken or if there are air leaks. If the bulb is properly secured in place and you’re still seeing a leak, you will need to replace the bulb. Do not attempt to repair a primer bulb.

A gas leak on your snowblower is pretty easy to spot, especially if you have a sensitive sense of smell. It also happens to be one of the few problems that can literally wreck your blower. If you’re worried about a leak, it’s time to talk about what you can do to fix things.

Diagnosing Your Gas Leak

It’s no secret that snowblower can have a lot of problems, and gas can leak from a wide range of different places. To make sure you’re on the right track, run through this diagnostic first:

  • Take a look at your fuel line, your fuel tank, and your gas cap. More often than not, these are actually the culprits that are making your leak happen. It’s a concept similar to fixing a front load washer leak, a cracked door or similar will usually be the main issue. Since tanks and gas caps tend to be on the “front lines,” they are more prone to leaking and sustaining damage.If you notice that your problem isn’t the primer bulb, do not bother replacing this part of your snowblower. Though it may be a valiant attempt at improving your snowblower’s life, you’re better served at addressing the real source of the problem.
  • Check to see if you feel air being sucked in near the primer bulb. If you can feel it, then it’s almost certainly a primer bulb leak.
  • Inspect the bulb. If you see a hole, a crack, or anything similar near the rubber part or the dome of the bulb, you need to replace it. On a similar note, if you notice that the primer bulb is worse for the wear, it’s a good idea to get a new bulb.

How Bad Is This Problem?

Honestly? It is pretty bad, but it could be worse. If you notice the leak early on, you can reduce the chances of getting permanent damage to your snowblower. If you leave the leak to get worse, then you will have to replace your snowblower sooner. It’s a lot like a lawnmower leak, if you think about it.

Do You Need To Get This Repaired Professionally?

Good news! Though you might be a little upset about having a leak, this is not a job that you will need to get replaced by a professional. Even if you’re green to the DIY scene, you should be able to fix this with little to no problem. There’s no reason why you should call a professional in most cases.

The only time it makes sense to call someone for repairs is when you have a warranty on your snowblower that has yet to expire. In this case, you might be able to get a free primer bulb as well as a quick repair without spending a dime. With that said, it’s not that big a deal if you don’t do this.

Fixing Your Primer Bulb Gas Leak

If it is your primer bulb that’s leaking, then you will need to replace your primer bulb. There’s no other way to fix this, and trying to repair the bulb will only lead to more trouble.

Here’s what you’re going to have to do…

  • First, you will need to buy a replacement bulb. So, you are going to have to find the right primer bulb for your snowblower, eh? There’s good news here. You can find it pretty easy by searching up the make and model of your snowblower online. It won’t cost much. Once you’ve gotten the part, proceed to step two.
  • Next, pry the old primer bulb off your snowblower. This can be done through a variety of different methods. Some will allow you to snap it off with a twist mechanism. Others will need you to pry it off with a screwdriver. In some more difficult models, you may need to pull it off with pliers. Do not break the bulb or puncture the rubber!
  • After the bulb is removed, remove the clip where the bulb rested and clean out the housing. Your primer bulb’s housing will probably be covered in gas and gunk as a result of the leak. Thankfully, cleaning the housing is a cinch. You can do this with a paper towel.
  • Put the new clip in the new bulb, with the clip’s tabs facing outwards. Then, use a socket wrench that fits over the bulb, and push into the bulb’s housing using a rubber mallet or gentle tap of a piece of wood.
  • Secure the new primer bulb onto your snowblower. With some models, you might need to do a couple of extra steps to make this happen. Refer to your owner’s manual to make sure that you have completed all the steps.
  • If your primer bulb was installed with a protective panel, you may also need to remove and reinstall the panel. Since snowblowers vary so widely in design, it’s hard to narrow down one single method. It’s just important to know that this is a matter that can be required for your replacement.

Instructions Not Matching Up?

It’s important to realize that snowblower designs vary greatly from model to model. What may be the right course of action for one blower may actually break another. While we are giving general instructions on how to properly replace your primer bulb, it’s always best to refer to your owner’s manual for more specific instructions.

If you have to choose between our instructions and the owners’ manual instructions, always choose the manual. Your manual contains the instructions for your specific model. Moreover, the engineers of your snowblower are the authors of your manual. This means they’ll be able to advise the best course of action to extend the life of your mower to its max.

Why Do Primer Bulbs Go Bad, Anyway?

Primer bulbs are just like any other part of your snowblower in the sense that wear and tear can happen. With primer bulbs, there are two major reasons why you may need to replace the bulb.

If your primer bulb is made of glass or plastic, having your snowblower get dropped could lead to a crack in the bulb. It is glass, and even the strongest glass will eventually crack or shatter if enough pressure is applied.

The other issue that tends to be linked to the environment that your blower is in. Cold, dry environments tend to make the rubber portions of primer bulbs dry out. After they dry out, they tend to crack. This, in turn, is what breaks the bulb. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to prevent this. It happens to almost every snowblower.


Related Questions

Should you leave gas in your snowblower when you are putting it in storage?

If your snowblower contains gas left stagnant for more than two weeks, then your gas is no longer good. Rather than letting the gas run its course through the snowblower’s motor, it’s better to just open up the gas cap and drain out the remaining gas.After you drained out the tank, you should let the snowblower run until it no longer has anything left. This helps prevent stagnant gas from clogging or otherwise burning out your motor.


What is the best type of gas for a snowblower?

While there are some lawncare tools that are demanding when it comes to fuel, most snowblowers are not that hard to shop for. Almost any type of gasoline will work. If you use an ethanol blend, keep it to a maximum of E10 in order to ensure that your motor will continue to run smoothly.The two types of gas that you want to avoid when fueling your snowblower are E85 and diesel gas. Both of these will cause serious harm to your machine, which in turn, may actually destroy it after a single run.


How long can you let gas sit in a tank?

The maximum amount of time you have before you need to toss out the fuel depends on storage as well as the machine you want to use. With most motors and cars, gas should not be left stagnant for more than three to five months. With snowblowers and leaf blowers, gas should not be left to sit for more than two weeks.If gas is kept stored in optimal conditions (such as those found in gas storage in commercial settings), then it can stay indefinitely. The problem is that most gasoline tanks do not have those conditions. This can lead to contamination and even mold growth in some rare cases.

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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