Gas continuously leaks from the prime bulb in my mower through a hole in its center, why is the hole there?

Question

The mower is a Scotts self-propelled walk-behind. The prime bulb resembles a nipple, with gas coming out in a constant stream from the tip of the nipple. The hole seems too large and directy center-placed to be from wear and tear or rotting. Before I attempt to seal the hole with something I shouldn't I'd like to know if there's a reason for it being there in the first place. Thanks

Answer 1

There should be no hole at all....These bulbs when molded are cut by machine from the molds right on the point of the outer bulb..You got one that was either molded with a little too less rubber or the machinery caught it in a bind and clipped a hole in it so small it wasnt visible..simply buy a new bulb replacment kit ..You will not succesfully seal this leak..They are very simple to replace..some just clip in with a plastic snap as shown in some of these pictures..and some have a metal slip ring..either are very easy to replace

http://www.rcpw.com/aftermarket/primerbu...

Answer 2

The hole is there so that after you push the bulb in it pops back into shape. When you push it in, your finger seals the hole. When you let it go, air can come back in through the hole. The hole in the bulb has nothing to do with the gas leak, as the hole has always been there. Sealing up the hole is not the way to fix the leak. You should take the mower for servicing.

Answer 3

There should be no holes.