To squeeze or not to squeeze?

[BabaYaga]

After the annual fuel filter changes, I find bleeding the fuel line to my Beta diesel slow and tedious work, using the small lever on the lift pump.
Especially, I dread having to do it in an emergency (has not occured yet).
Some people, I have read on various forums, recommend fitting a squeeze bulb in the fuel line, to make the task easier.
Is this a good or a bad idea?
If fitted, should it be up-stream or down-stream of the prefilter/water separator?
I can think of two issues: Any cut in the fuel line would introduce a potential air leak. The rubber (?) in a squeeze bulb, intended for petrol, might not stand up to diesel so well.
Any thoughts of the pros and cons of a squeeze bulb would be most welcome.

 

[sailorman]

http://www.asap-supplies.com/

 

[VicS]

My car has one (Peugeot diesel) It's been there with no troubles for over 14 years. I use it to bleed the fuel filter every time I change it.

Whether the rubber is any different to that used for petrol I know not but if concerned buy one that is intended for a diesel engine

 

[bobgoode]

Put one in years ago after a troublesome time and never had to use it but no leaks or problems so far. A friend has one and it really helsps speed up filter changes.

 

[30boat]

Definitely use one.Between prefilter and engine is fine.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Sounds like a good idea. I used to have to crawl into the cockpit locker and put a mole grip on the breather pipe of the fuel tank before using the dinghy pump to pressurise the tank to force fuel through to the engine to bleed a previous boat's donk!

Fortunately, the current boat is gravity feed if there's enough fuel in the tank and almost self bleeds...

Our little Peugot has a squeezy bulb thing in the fuel supply as well; its years old and shows no signs of deteriorating.

 

[simonfraser]

my rubber squeeze bulb has just sprung a leak, needed a better clip to seal one end . . . .

 

[alahol2]

For the past several years I have just turned the engine over with the starter (impellor removed), it seems to work for me. Is there a problem with this?

 

[BabaYaga]

Thanks all for your input, so far. No reason to hesitate, it seems.
As for turning the engine over with the starter...alright, I guess if you dont run it for too long (30 secs max?). In my case I would have trouble reaching the push button while operating the bleed screw.