Merc outboard - fuel line goes empty at low RPM

[aanderud]

I have a 1997 merc 125 hp outboard. I've no problems with it at crusing speed. However, when trolling with it at low speeds, I have to pump the fuel line bulb or it will run dry. If I don't pump it eventually it'll just kill and then I'll have to pumper up again, the line is dry as a bone. I can go somewhere between 5 and 10 minutes before having to pump it.

Any ideas what this could be? I guess I'm pretty dumb when it comes to engines and stuff, so I'm likely going to need to take it in to get someone to fix it for me...but it's still good to get some idea from you folks as to what it may be ahead of time.

Oh a side-note, does anyone know when the new lakemaster chip will be out? It was supposed to be spring, I thought, then summer, then fall...anyone heard any date or month or season that's maybe semi-accurate? The funny part is they offer an email address on their HSOforum to ask questions, but they don't feel the need to respond to potential customers when questions are asked...gotta love great customer service.

OK Thanks,

-Brian

[stick]

I have the same thing happen to my Evinrude 4 stroke 9.9 kicker.

I was emailed by Lakemaster saying that the fate of the chip is unknown as it is totally in the hands of LEI Electronics (Lowrance). Much of the chit-chat where people are talking about the chip release is (in my opinion) in regards to the software. The software is due "sometime soon", but the chip is unknown.

Hope this helps on the software. I'm eager to see what is said about the fuel supply.

[marine_man]

The first thing I'd do is to replace your primer bulb to make sure the check valves are all working properly. That is something you should be able to handle yourself.

If that doesn't fix it I'm 85% sure that the problem is a weak fuel pump, which take a little time, but not too bad... if you can follow the instructions that come with the fuel pump rebuild kit you can probably do it.. it's a pretty simple rebuild.

marine_man

[aanderud]

Cool, thanks for the advise. I'm not totally mechanically incompetent...but I do lack specialized tools and whatnot. So, if the bulb replacement doesn't work I'll check into a fuel pump rebuild. I would think one could find a reasonable howto on the internet to help out. That's what is great about the www nowadays. Lots of info, more opportunity to DIY.

Thanks for the pointers.

-Brian

[marine_man]

No special tools required.. probably a pliers, side cutters and a screwdriver or two...

marine_man

[Horned_Swede]

One thing you could try is some carb cleaner in the gas (like Quickclean). You could have varnish build up in the carb or gas line.