Motor Fuel Line Problem

Today, made our maiden voyage with our jon boat and 7.5 HP Evinrude motor. Not sure what year this motor is but in doing my research have determined that it is probably between 1950 and 1959. Pumped the bulb full of fuel and the motor started first time. Took off from the dock, went about 500 yards and motor quit. Tried pumping the bulb again but it wouldn't deliver any fuel. Went in, drove home and got a backup fuel tank that came with the boat. Went back, pumped the bulb full, started the motor and took off. Got the the same point on the lake and the same thing happened. Never could get the bulb to pump fuel again. Any ideas??? Is it possible that the fuel line is bad? The connection to the fuel tank doesn't seem to fit real tight either. When I put it on, there is no "snap" like the way the line "snaps" onto the motor. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank goodness, I had a small trolling motor to get us back both times.

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

Yes, it's entirely possible the fuel line is bad. Older gas lines are eaten from the inside from the ethynol added to the gasoline. Since your motor starts easy and takes off good before it dies, it's also possible your tank/s aren't venting right.

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

IF you are correct, 1950-'59 motors would be a pressure tank, no squeeze bulb. They have a primer pump button on the tank. And hose is permanently attached and does not "snap" to the tank. So....has this thing been converted to a fuel pump? If so, who knows what they screwed up.

Assuming the job is ok, perhaps the filter in the bottom of the carburetor is clogged up. They are not intended to be cleaned, but replaced when dirty.

EDIT: And then, how do we know it is actually a fuel problem?

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

Thanks for the answer. I think I will buy a new line and fuel tank and see if that works. Will keep you posted. Really appreciate the reply.

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

Maybe I have the range of years wrong. I just didn't see any indication on line of this HP Evinrude being made after those years. It does look newer than 50 some years old. It doesn't have a primer pump button and the hose isn't permanently attached. I'm going to try replacing the fuel line and the gas tank and see if that works. I'll let everyone know what happens. I appreciate the help very much.

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

Plenty of 7.5 motors built in more recent years. The ones 1954-58 had metal flip-up hoods. Yours probably doesn't, does it?

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

No, mine is a hard plastic cover so maybe it is newer than I thought. Bought a new tank and fuel line tonite and will test it tomorrow night. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!

Re: Motor Fuel Line Problem

If the fuel line from the pump to the carb is original, I'd replace it (5/32"). There's no screen to catch the gunk coming from that hose to your carb.