Re: Bad fuel pump?
I just went through this with my 110. Sounds exactly like mine was acting. Started ok but soon tried to die. Unless you "pumped the ball", then it picked back up. Wouldn't take gas if you tried to gun it either.
Just like you, I tried everything else I could think of. Changed tanks, changed fuel lines, nothing worked. Then I checked out the fuel pump. Turns out the VRO oil pump and the fuel pump are one in the same.
You didn't mention if your engine was oil injected or not. However, if it is you might think about changing over now - while your changing the pump out anyway. My mechanic told me the oil injection units are very unrealible. He keeps them on new engines until they are out of warranty, then advises owner to disconnect them and start mixing their gas/oil 50:1.
I never trusted the VRO, but was pleased with mine for years. So I left it be. Then recently it went out. Mechanic claimed they were backed up, and said it would be months before he could get to it. However, he got me the new parts and said he would walk me through it. (If I wanted to try it myself).
I unbolted the fuel/oil pump from the front of the engine and trashed it.
(Scarey, but I did as instructed). Then I installed the old style fuel pump to the side of the engine, just in front the starter.
The new pump was much smaller and had no electrical hookup. So I couldn't understand how it was replacing the old, but again - I followed directions.
There is a plug in the side of the engine. (In the block near the starter). Just remove it, put a gasket on, then bolt the new pump on. Two screw/bolts, threaded holes already in the block. No electrical to hook up, it runs by vacume. Easy fix. Cheap too.
Once the pump is on you just re-route the old existing gas lines to the intake and out to carbs. Good to go.
Remember to mix your oil/gas though. Don't want to burn anything up.
(50:1). Mine now runs great. Seems faster and starts easier. I was nervous about the swap, but Johnson/Evinrude sell the old style pumps just for such a fix. Must be common problem.
New pump set me back $62.00, but that's a lot better than replacing the oil/gas pump. New one of them runs around $300.00.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
