Re: Surging helped by pumping primer

[amuller]

That sort of surge usually indicates fuel starvation.

I recently had this happen, out on the river, with a fuel line set I’d made up with new hose and connectors and primer bulb. Fortunately I had another line setup, and swapping it solved the problem. I haven’t diagnosed it yet, but some have reported problems with cheap aftermarket fuel connectors.
Are the male connectors on the motor and the tank smooth?

Maybe try another tank. The OMC tanks work well, but have various little valves and seals that can act up.

Opinions vary on this, but I think it can be a good idea to use a section of vinyl fuel hose, or even, temporarily, regular clear vinyl hose. This is the best way to see if air is being sucked in somewhere. And people are reporting so much trouble with rubber fuel lines that maybe the vinyl is worth another look…..

If none of this works, open fuel pump and check for hard or leaking diaphragm.