2004 175 evinrude ficht acting up?

[Chasman]

My engine has just started to act up? I don't know if its the warm weather or what. No Alarms! I suspect the primer bulb. The other day it ran fine to where I wanted to get too. Then after I was done fishing in that spot, (20 min) I took off and about a 100yds it started sputting, so I backed off. I checked the primer bulb first thing. It had no fuel in it. The bulb was not firm! I pumped it up and it took a few squeezes to get the fuel moving. The engine ran fine to my next spot. I would say 3 miles. Then I fished a while and took off and it did it again. Again it was 95 degrees out and the engine has never done this before. Then I went out yesterday and it happen again. Should I go ahead and change the primer bulb? I just ordered one. I didn't see any leaks anywhere and didn't smell gas. any suggestions? thanks

[theoldwizard]

Replacing the bulb is a good place to start. It is inexpensive and easy to replace. Be wary of aftermarket cheapies ! Also us the "proper" clamps. Worm gear clamps can easily be over tighten and crack plastic fittings causing more problems.

If this does not solve your problem, you are still on the right track. You definitely have a vacuum leak. Notice I said vacuum. Air is leaking into the fuel lines somewhere between the tank and the fuel (lift) pump. Gas is not leaking out (which is why you don't see/smell anything). Carefully inspect every inch, from the tank to the pump. Your vacuum leak is there somewhere