Thread: 60hp Johnson - acted like it was out of gas

A couple weeks ago I noticed that the fuel hose at the motor side of the primer bulb was leaking, looked like the "pressed on" clamp wasn't tight enough and allowing for some leaking. Anyway, was in bind as I had no hose clamps with me so we did an "emergency" repair with nylon tie-wraps, worked ok and to be honest I had forgotten about it until yesterday when the motor started acting like it was out of gas. I went back to switch tanks, I have two 6 gallon tanks on board, and noticed that the tank was still half full! I then checked the primer bulb, it was no longer "tight". I did not see any leakage. I held the bulb vertical, with the "to motor" end up and pumped it up tight again, the motor started and idled fine, I got to about 3/4 throttle and the same thing happened, pumped it up again and just eased into the boat landing.

All of this to ask:

1) is the primer bulb bad?
2) is the "loose" connection at the bulb the problem?
3) what else could it be?

I have bought and am going to replace the "bad" clamps with regular hose clamps, if that doesn't work I will replace the primer bulb. If that doesn't work I will need y'alls advice!:D

Let me know what you all think it might be - Thanks, HV

I think I would just break down and replace that whole fuel line. They tend to deteriorate from the inside out, much like a water heater hose on a car. When you start having problems with them, its almost too late to salvage any of it.

If this doesn't solve your problem, then I would do as ISBN says, look at rebuilding the fuel pump and inspect the carbs for debris.