Mercury 8hp Cutting Out?

[Rupe]

Hi - my 8hp Mercury (4 stroke) has been cutting out a bit on the water lately.

So....Its going along no probs - then it splutters and dies. I then give the bulb on the fuel line to the external tank a squeeze and its all good again and starts no problem.

Or....If I catch it as it splutters and throttle back and pump the bulb, it comes back to life.


The bulb also feels 'soft' at the point it splutters.

It did this a bit last year too before its service, so I brought a new tank, fuel line, bulb. I guess the fuel filter would have been done at service. Its been fine for quite a while before it started playing up.

So any suggestions - Could it be the fuel pump?

Thanks

[ShinyShoe]

Yes is the short answer. Its either air getting in or the pump (probably diaphragm). You've ruled out most of the places air can get in...

[spartacus]

Examine the Mercury fuel connectors. Had a similar problem with a Tohatsu connector that needed lubed. If that checks out okay, might be worth renewing the fuel pump. I'm sure Mercury make a kit with new diagraphms, gaskets, etc.