Merc XR6 150 problem

[Have Rod will travel]

At the end of last year, last trip out, the engine was hard to start. Cranked real good, but would not fire right away, took a while and a lot of cranking. Over the winter I changed the fuel line, filter, cleaned the plugs. On the way to the lake, I put in 15 gals of fresh gas, with the old 5 gals. Again it took a while to start. Once going it ran great and idled great up to 3k rpms. Once I gave it the throttle and hit around 4k rpms, it would slow down, like it was running out of gas. I have a kicker T8 running off the same tank/gas and it fires right up and runs great. Every time I put gas in I either add Stabil of Seafoam. Warm it starts up fine, and runs good up to 3k. I am thinking maybe the fuel pump is going bad. Any ideas, am I on the right track, should I look else where? Thanks.

 

[Chris1956]

Well, you are probably on the right track. If you can pump the primer bulb, and the issue goes away, it is very likely a fuel delivery issue. Check the fuel tank vent, and look for air leaks in the fuel line. If pumping the primer doesn't fix it, take a compression and spark test and post back.

 

[Have Rod will travel]

I know any part can go bad, but some parts last forever. Are fuel pumps known for going bad?

 

[Chris1956]

Fuel pumps are a maintenance item.

 

[Have Rod will travel]

Thanks. I think I found my problem. I think is was something as simple as a loose hose clamp on the fuel line. I am taking the boat out tomorrow and run it. I will know for sure then.