'97 75hp Force Starts then won't start

[sdpotter]

reborn to Outboards (Last owned at age 15,now 42). Powerhead seems is excellent shape. Turns over with one turn of the key and runs fine and stong for a while. Then it begins to "Miss" and conks out. When this happens and it is variable, I can't start it for a period of time and when it decides to restarts it continues to restart with ease???? When it conks out it seems to be getting fuel though I did notice the bulb primer with "sucked in". I release the suction and it still didn't start. There was gas in the fuel filter and it has a new battery. The engine turns but just won't turn over.???????

 

[roscoe]

Re: '97 75hp Force Starts then won't start

The sucked in primer bulb is indicating that the fuel pump is working, but that the fuel can not get up the fuel hose.<br /><br />Either the primer bulb has a restriction, <br />the fuel pickup in the tank is clogged, <br />or the vent to the tank is closed or plugged, not allowing air in, to replace the fuel sucked out by the fuel pump.<br /><br />If the tank is portable, make sure the vent is open, and look inside for dirt and debris. Or try a different tank.<br /><br />If the tank is built-in, make sure the vent line is unobstructed.<br />Or try a portable tank.<br /><br />Last, is to replace the fuel line.