johnson 150 running rough

[hogan12009]

Johnson 150 1999 is running really rough then just stalls out. Initially I thought it was the shift interrupter switch as it was stuck. I disconnected this switch and it started right up. revved a couple times on the hose then stalls out. sounds like its coughing for fuel then dies. I then have to prime the bulb to get it to start and it will rev once or twice then coughs out. The primer bulb used to stay hard after I pump it for hours now it goes soft in about ten minutes. it does go hard when I squeeze it. I was almost thinking fuel pump because pumping the bulb and it ran normal for a few seconds then coughs out. I re pump runs normal for a sec then coughs. and then back to the soft primer.

I noticed the timing mechanism isn't advancing when I rev it up. I have seen this move in the past with revs now nothing. when I advance it by hand it revs up for a few seconds and coughs out. This engine usually runs really well and this just started out of the blue. Anyone that can point me in the right direction would be great.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Has a link come off that advances the timing?
Yes might be the pump, check for airleaks in the line right back to the tank too

 

[hogan12009]

I have been running it on a separate can of fuel now for the last few minutes. When I look at the inline fuel filter in the front of the engine I can see it not staying full of fuel it revs nice after I pump it up and idles ok. then it starts to cough out like its running out of gas. I am pretty sure it is the pump but is there a sure tell way to test this pump? one other thing is it will not start unless I move the red lever all the way up Also the timing wasn't moving because I wasn't revving it using the throttle cable.

 

[Bosunsmate]

red lever up means choke is on, you need to then turn that back after engines started otherwise itl flood.
Its electric so it should start when you operate it by turning the key and pressing it in. Pull one of those hoses off it that feeds the carbs and see if fuel sprays out
Sure way to test pump is to act as the pump by priming the bulb,

 

[hogan12009]

the only way to keep it running is to pump the primer at the moment. Is there a fuel pump I can buy that is just a fuel pump without the vro oil pump?