Tim wrote:
On May 29, 11:41 pm, "SteveB" wrote:
Took my boat out today. It ran fine at first, then has symptoms of fuel
starvation at high speeds, slowing to a crawl, and then hard to start and
keep running. Then it runs fine, starts fine, idles fine, high speed fine.
Then the other end again. I'm going to change the fuel filter on the motor
and see if that does it. After that, I guess it just has to go to the shop.
'89 Merc 4 cyl. 40 2 stroke.

Steve

Possibly a vent clogged on the gas tank creating a suction and not a
freeflow on the fuel?

Yes. Possibly the vent not opened. Possibly a clogged screen filter in
the gas can. Possibly a collapsing fuel line. Possibly a real tiny air
leak on the suction side. A larger air leak will stop fuel pumping all
together. Some outboards have a slow mode that restricts rpms if there
is an engine problem.
The best thing Steve can do is borrow or buy a gas tank with hose. That
will eliminate all off engine problems.