87 50HP VRO Evinrude - Could this be my problem?

I have an 87 50 HP Evinrude with the VRO system deleted by the previous owner. Been battling rough idle, and after running for awhile it is darn near impossible to get started. Replaced the entire fuel and ignition system, runs better but still having the problem. I was thinking, what could cause a fuel issue but not be part of the fuel system? So on a hunch I checked the now unused VRO pulse fitting on the crankcase and I can see that it was plugged with a short hose which is lose and cracked. I am thinking the fuel pump is not getting enough vacuum because of this. Could I be right? I won't be able to test until the weekend, and if you all say it can't be the problem I can move on and look at other stuff in the meantime. Here is a video of the leaky hose:

That pulse fitting is NOT USED on a regular fuel pump.----The regular fuel pump operates with PRESSURE and not vacuum.-----The regular fuel pump operates off the top crankcase.----The VRO operated off the bottom crankcase.----Remove pulse fitting and put in a pipe plug.

racerone said:

That pulse fitting is NOT USED on a regular fuel pump.----The regular fuel pump operates with PRESSURE and not vacuum.-----The regular fuel pump operates off the top crankcase.----The VRO operated off the bottom crankcase.----Remove pulse fitting and put in a pipe plug.

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For now I have just replugged it with a fresh hose. If it fixes the issue I will get the plug (321164 - Manifold Plug). So it sounds like you think this could be the issue?

Install the pipe plug, find one at your hardware store.---.----Then test run !!

racerone said:

Install the pipe plug, find one at your hardware store.---.----Then test run !!

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If only I could. Work and school ensures that will not happen until at least Saturday, and if we don't get some rain there won't be anywhere to take it.