Re: Fuel issue
The only time the fuel hose bulb should get hard is when you first pump it up for a cold start each day. Once the fuel pump starts to draw fuel through the lines, the bulb will soften, but it should not collapse when running. That's normal. You can do a test. After shutting down for a longer period, try priming the fuel hose bulb. If it starts and runs fine, the engine could be losing it's prime. If it runs on a built-in tank, could be the anti-siphon valve may not be functioning properly or the ball valves in the hose bulb could be malfunctioning. You could also try another hose. Agree, check for fuel line leaks. Any fuel leaking out will let air back in the lines, which could lead to fuel draining back into the tank. (as well as a lean-running condition.)
