I have a mid 70's 7.5 hp Merc which I bought used a couple of years ago. After I replaced the plugs and water pump it ran well until the 2nd time out this season when it stalled after slowing down after a couple hours of intermittent running while fishing. All attempts to restart have the motor starting then dying. The fuel line bulb pump is soft after this happens and the engine restarts after bulb is pumped,only to die again. Seemingly a fuel problem. Filter is clean. I think that I probably need a new fuel pump (it is built into the carb). I have taken the carb off and there isn't any problem with the fuel pump diaphragm that I can discern. I found a small leak in the fuel hose going to the carb. Any suggestions or insights. I am not a mechanic but am a sort of do-it-yourself sort. I am wondering if I should rebuild the carb (the kit costs almost $60) or get new gaskets for the carb (haven't located a source yet) or get it to an outboard mechanic or use it as a mooring anchor (just kidding, it is a great old engine, but I guess there is a limit to how much more $ I want to put into it.<br />I just found this board and am very impressed by the knowledge and generous sharing of it which occurs here! Thanks for any ideas on this.
