outboard is firing, but dies quickly

[TyGuy02]

My 15hp Johnson will fire, but dies quickly. It seems like its not getting enough fuel, but even with the choke it dies. In my struggles I seemed to have sprung a leak in the fuel line, so I replaced it. I replaced it with a clear hose and I see bubbles in the line. Is that normal? It is the hose from the filter to the engine. Is there a small pump in with the filter that is malfunctioning? And yes, the bulb is at full pressure. Or does the carb just need a good cleaning?

Thanks

[boatfixer]

Compression

Spark

Fuel

Bubbles mean you have an air leak somewhere upstream from where you are seeing them, no its not normal. It does sound like its fuel related and yes its possible that the carb may need cleaning. I wouls also recomend replacing the fuel line with marine fuel hose rather than clear line. I would also check/change plugs, filter, and any other fuel lines that may be suspect.

Is the gas fresh and moisture free?

[TyGuy02]

I just filled the gas can on the opener, so it should still be fresh. But it may have water in it when you mention it. I forgot that we had some big rains up here in the last month, and the hose from the can to the motor (which I disconnect when not in use-that's what I was told to do) was submersed in water collecting in the boat. Would that hose take in some water if underwater?

[osok]

Tyguy,

the hose might not necessarily take on H20 unless the check ball is no seating correctly. But if your vent on your tank was open you could've collected water through there. So has your 15 ran this way all year or is this new onset? Pull your plugs and inspect them for moisture on the plugs. Before you swap out that clear fuel hose for an actual fuel hose (hint hint) look to see if you have any water mixing in. That "filter" you speak of...is it black plastic w/ metal sandwiched in w/ a single screw in the middle of it? If so that is your Fuel pump, you could have a blown out diaphragm and that would cause bubbles from there to your carb.

good luck and keep me posted.