My motor has developed an intermittent fault that produces fuel starving symptoms. While running at 4000-4500 RPM the motor dies which can usually be halted by giving it more throttle. Not sure about the significance of this but the priming bulb goes soft and the starving issues can often be resolved by squeezing the bulb a few times. Yesterday it stopped while I was flushing the motor and only by priming could I start it again. I have heard anecdotally that the fuel pump diaphragm should be replaced every two years. Has anyone had this problem and will pump diaphragm replacement resolve it? TIA for your thoughts and suggestions.

sounds like a vacuum problem, or the pressure bulb not a happy unit.

CanadianJohn thanks for your reply. I have changed connection fittings on both the fuel line to the tote tank and on all tote tanks. I have also changed the priming bulb and the fuel line to and from the bulb.

Tacit thanks for your reply. The motor is carbueretted. The breather vents are fully open and even occurs with the tank cap loosened. Early on In my ownership of this boat I forgot to open the vent in the tank and the motor did starve eventually but the vacuum also partially collapsed the tank so I have eliminated breather problems. One of your suggestions that hasn't occurred to me yet is a partially blocked pick up. However I have 3 tanks (one only two years old) and the problem occurs on all of them. However it is certainly something I will check.

I am having the exact same problem with mine. It happens on all 4 different tote tanks so thought it must be a perished fuel line so replaced the whole thing including bulb but it’s still doing it. Did you figure out the cause of your issues Boyo? I was going to replace the fittings to totes and outboard next but I’m guessing it is a fuel pump issue now. Mines a 95 90hp mariner