I have a 1995 Mercury Force 40, OE108215, that started sneezing recently. I found a big hole in a hose going to the fuel pump from the engine block. The hose is about 3/8" OD, about 6" long and connects through right angle plastic fittings at each end. The plastic fitting at the block end was mostly gone, too. I suspect there was something that melted the fitting and burned or blew a hole in the hose. I replaced the hose with regular fuel line hose and the plastic fitting with a brass fitting from an automotive shop (It was late Sunday afternoon). It is back to running well again.<br /><br />I have three questions:<br /><br />1. Any idea what might have caused this?<br /><br />2. Is it acceptable to leave the brass fitting installed? <br /><br />3. If the brass fitting is not acceptable, any idea where I can order the correct plastic part?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br /> FAL
