help with fuel issue

[road ranger]

I Just purchased a 98 Sugar Sand Tango with a Mercury 175 V6. I can start it if I prime it well. I can keep it running as long as I pump the primer bulb just before it dies to pressure up the fuel line with fuel. It will only continue to run if I squeeze the primer bulb. I replaced the fuel pump, fuel/water filters, cleared all fuel lines and the issue is still the same.
Does anyone recognize this issue? Can anyone point me in a direction to fix this problem?
Thanks,
Wannbeonthewater

 

[marcham]

Air leak? Are the fuel line fittings in good condition?

 

[road ranger]

The fittings appear to be clear and in good condition. They do look original. My knowledge of this type of boat is new to me. When you refer to an air leak, are you talking about a leak in the fuel line or the air intake?
I appreciate your help very much, thank you.

 

[marcham]

If you need to prime constantly, then either air is getting into the fuel line (is it 22 years old?) Or the fuel pump is not working (defective or misinstalled). I know you said it was replaced but it's still worth another look.

I would replace the fuel lines, clamps and take a 2nd look at the fuel pump. Even new ones can be defective. It's a diaphragm pump? If so, if a single spring or diaphragm is out of place it won't work. If it's old stock that's been sitting for 15 years it could be defective. Can you test the fuel pump outflow? There might be a procedure in the service manual.

 

[JWExperience]

Is it a carb issue? Have you attempted to rev it at all or don’t get a chance to because you’re pumping?
Its the beginning of the season and common with carbs to have issues on the idle side after sitting.

 

[road ranger]

I'm thinking it is a carb issue. I did rev it up 1-2 times and it will run until the gas I pumped in is gone. It will die if I stop squeezing the bulb.

 

[JWExperience]

That does sound carb related. Not sure the cost of a carb kit but based on the age of the boat it may be worthwhile anyways. I want to say recently I read on another site that replacing that primer bulb helped someone too after a lot of hours chasing other things. Carb cleaner and a primer bulb might be cheap places to start if you can target cleaning the idle jet. If that gets it idling, I would throw a bunch of Lucas injector cleaner or seafoam to help clean further then rebuild the carb over the winter.
Do you know how it was stored? Type of gas used and stabilizer if it sat for a period of time?

 

[road ranger]

They didn't winterize it this last year and it was stored outdoors I know that. He did try to start it at time of purchase with the old gas that sat all winter. I am pulling the carbs 1 by 1 cleaning and putting new fuel hose on. I plan to use carb cleaner and I can replace the bulb, it's cheap. I will address the idle jet, thanks for that info. I appreciate the help.
'wannabeonthewater'