stalling issue 200 150 Johnson

[oddysea1]

I have a 2000 150h.p. Johnson-over the last year I have experienced a inconsistent and unpredictable stalling issue .Most times out the engine fires right up and runs great[the new primer bulb must be "rock" hard in order for the engine to start] however yesterday running at 3400 it felt like someone disconnected the gas line-the engine slowed and then stalled[the bulb was soft] I re-primed and the engine would start then stop each time the bulb would go soft .Also while priming I can hear a very faint sound like a spring is snapping or a faint click and then I needed to squeeze again on the bulb which before the sound was hard. I feel like it is losing pressure from within the powerhead. I finally got it started and it was running fine and then the engine check light and alarm sounded with no notable symptoms or issues but I returned to the dock anyway. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated

 

[Chris1956]

Does the bulb go soft or collapse? If collapse, you have a restriction in the fuel line. Culprits are fuel tank vents and antisiphon valves, any fuel filters or water separators you have, etc.

For the bulb to be a bit soft is normal.

 

[oddysea1]

Does the check engine light indicate any specific issues when it goes off-The engine sounded and ran fine while the alarm signaled a problem.

 

[Chris1956]

Check Engine is a fuel restriction alarm. The sensor is a vacuum sensor on the fuel bracket.

 

[oddysea1]

Older boat with screen in gas pick up tube -blew line out with compressor test run today.

 

[oddysea1]

Went out after blowing out gas line-I believe there was a build up of debris on screen-no alarm -engine ran great. Thank you for the information and advice-Regards Andy