If your chainsaw’s primer bulb is not working, you can bypass it by removing the small black hose that goes from the carburetor to the primer bulb. Once this hose is removed, you can start your chainsaw without having to use the primer bulb.
- Locate the two-hole primer bulb on your chainsaw
- Insert a small screwdriver or nail into one of the holes
- Push down on the screwdriver or nail, and hold it in place
- Use your other hand to pull the cord from the other hole
- The cord should come out easily, and you can now start your chainsaw without having to use the primer bulb

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Is Primer Bulb Necessary?
A primer bulb is a small, hand-held pump that injects fuel into an engine to prime it before starting. It is also known as a carburetor primer. A primer bulb makes it easier to start an engine by helping to vaporize the fuel and get it into the engine’s cylinders.
Most modern engines don’t require a primer bulb, but they can be helpful if your engine is hard to start. If you’re not sure whether your engine needs a primer bulb, check your owner’s manual.
What Causes Primer Bulb Not to Prime?
One of the most common reasons that a primer bulb will not prime is because there is air in the fuel line. This can happen if the fuel line is not properly sealed or if there is a leak in the line. Another reason might be that the primer bulb itself is damaged and needs to be replaced.
If you have checked for these things and the primer bulb still will not prime, then it is likely that the carburetor needs to be cleaned or rebuilt.
How Do You Prime an Old Chainsaw?
Assuming you have a 2-stroke chainsaw, the process for priming it is as follows:
1. Open the chainsaw’s gas cap and fill the tank with fresh gasoline. If your saw uses oil mix, be sure to add this as well.
2. Place the chainsaw on level ground, and pull out the choke lever until it clicks into position.
3. Press the throttle trigger halfway, and then pull the starter cord slowly until you feel resistance. At this point, give the cord a sharp tug to start the engine.
4. Once the engine is running, push in the choke lever to return it to its original position.
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What is the Purpose of a Primer Bulb on a Chainsaw?
A primer bulb on a chainsaw is used to draw fuel into the carburetor, where it is then mixed with air and drawn into the engine. The purpose of the primer bulb is to make starting the chainsaw easier by providing a richer mixture of gas and air to the engine.
Mythbusting primer bulbs. Will a cracked bulb keep you from starting
Will Chainsaw Run If Primer Bulb is Cracked
One common question we get here at Chainsaw Journal is whether or not a chainsaw will run if the primer bulb is cracked. The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to know before trying to start your saw.
First, when the primer bulb is cracked, it can’t build up enough pressure to properly prime the carburetor.
This means that you’ll need to use the choke (or half-choke) when starting the saw. Once the engine is running, you can turn off the choke and it should run just fine.
Second, you’ll need to be careful not to over-prime the engine.
If too much fuel gets into the cylinder, it can cause pre-ignition and damage the piston and rings. So make sure you only depress the primer button until you see a small amount of fuel coming out of the hole in the bulb.
If you follow these two tips, you should be able to start your chainsaw even if the primer bulb is cracked.
Primer Bulb Elimination
If your lawn mower, trimmer or other small engine won’t start, one of the first things you should check is the primer bulb. The primer bulb on most small engines is responsible for drawing fuel into the carburetor, and if it’s not working, the engine won’t start.
Fortunately, checking and replacing a primer bulb is a relatively easy task that anyone can do.
In this article, we’ll show you how to check and replace a primer bulb on a lawn mower or other small engine.
How to Bypass Primer Bulb on Lawn Mower
If your lawn mower is having trouble starting, it may be due to a clogged primer bulb. The primer bulb is responsible for drawing fuel into the carburetor, and if it’s not working properly, the engine won’t start. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to bypass the primer bulb so that you can get your lawn mower running again.
To bypass the primer bulb on a lawn mower, first make sure that the fuel shut-off valve is in the “on” position. Then remove the air filter cover and unscrew the primer bulb from the carburetor. Next, use a paperclip or other small wire to connect the two terminals on the back of the primer bulb.
Finally, replace the air filter cover and start the engine.
If your lawn mower still won’t start after bypassing the primer bulb, then there may be another issue at play. It’s always best to consult a qualified technician to diagnose and repair any problems with your lawn mower.
How to Bypass Primer Bulb on Weedeater
If your weedeater has been sitting for a while, the primer bulb may be clogged. Here’s how to bypass the primer bulb and get your weedeater started again:
1. Remove the spark plug and unscrew the cap from the fuel tank.
2. Siphon out any old fuel from the tank and dispose of it properly. Fill the tank with fresh fuel.
3. Put the spark plug back in place and screw on the cap tightly.
4. Turn on the engine switch and pull the cord to start the weedeater. It may take a few tries, but eventually, it should start up without needing to prime the bulb first!
Conclusion
If your chainsaw won’t start, it might be because the primer bulb isn’t working. Luckily, there’s a way to bypass the primer bulb and get your saw running again. Here’s what you need to do:
First, remove the air filter cover and unscrew the two screws that hold the carburetor in place. Next, disconnect the spark plug lead and pull out the carburetor. Now, locate the small metal rod that goes from the intake manifold to the fuel pump diaphragm – this is what you’ll need to bypass.
To do this, simply bend the metal rod so that it no longer touches the diaphragm. You can then reassemble everything and your chainsaw should start right up!