1982 60hp possibly fuel issue - need help.

[nim713]

I have an internal fuel cell. Recently, at around 2500-3500 rpms or 8-10mph so just coasting the motor sounds like it was throttling back and then pick back up. It wouldnt do it constantly but every few minutes. If i go to the back and squeeze the primer bulb its soft and I wont have any issues for awhile. The primer bulb never does get completely firm ever. The motor idles fine and runs top end fine but have those issues in the middle. Any suggestions or thoughts on what it might be would be appreciated.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Does it go completely firm when engines off?

 

[emdsapmgr]

The primer bulb should get hard when you pump it up. Once the engine starts to draw fuel thru the hose, the bulb will soften, but should not collapse on itself. If the engine runs strong with that fuel pump, it should be ok. Could be a defective hose bulb. It does have two ball valves in it. Make sure the bulb's arrow is pointing on an uphill orientation. If it's laying downhill in the splashwell of the boat and is many years old, it could be a problem.

 

[nim713]

It doesnt stay hard when the engine is off. In fact if I pull the hose from the motor and try to prime it, it doesnt firm up either. Im thinking its the side vents gas on the boat. The primer bulb is upright to the motor and less than a year old but I know can still be defective. Just puzzled why its not drawing up.

 

[racerone]

Run with a known good seperate / portable fuel tank and a known to be good hose !