MErc 60hp 4-stroke EFI shuts down, sometimes.

[CharlieZulu]

Hello, everyone.
Motor: 60hp Merc EFI 4 stroke, 2013 vintage.
Boat: Lund 1650 Rebel XL, 2013 vintage. Under floor fuel tank.
Problem: Fuel starvation (suspected)
Symptom: Idles fine on startup (without squeezing the fuel line bulb), but occasionally sputters to a stop, regardless of throttle position. A couple of fuel line bulb squeezes, turn the key, and away we go. The problem has actually improved a little, in that there was a time where the motor would quit almost right away when throttle was applied, but after changing both fuel filters and the squeeze line, I would say it’s 90% reliable. But, it’s that last 5% surprise shut down that’s bugging me. Yes, it’s last year’s gas in the tank, but it was stabilized in the fall before storage indoors.

I can’t help but feel it’s fuel starvation, but running out of ideas. No fuel leaks that I can see anywhere.

 

[ggrimm01]

Hello
Have you checked your fuel line. How old is it. I had an older boat and ran into similar issue. Ended up being the fuel hose inside liner was peeling away and clogging up fuel line and fuel filter.

 

[CharlieZulu]

Hello
Have you checked your fuel line. How old is it. I had an older boat and ran into similar issue. Ended up being the fuel hose inside liner was peeling away and clogging up fuel line and fuel filter.

Everything on the boat is 2013. I've replaced the fuel line from the tank to the engine, but I guess you mean the fuel lines inside the motor housing?

 

[ggrimm01]

Have you replaced the fuel filter? Check to make sure nothing clogging it up. Have you tried running Seafoam through it? If all fails then you will have to breakdown and by a service manual or take it to o professional.

 

[CharlieZulu]

Have you replaced the fuel filter? Check to make sure nothing clogging it up. Have you tried running Seafoam through it? If all fails then you will have to breakdown and by a service manual or take it to o professional.

Yes, both fuel filters replaced, also the squeeze bulb line from the tank to the motor. the strange thing is, it runs fine (like it was new, WOT, half throttle, slow idle, etc) but once in a while it just sputters to a stop.
If I squeeze the bulb a couple of times, she's good to go. Until she stops again, could be 20mins, could be 2 mins. By squeezing, I am forcing fuel into the low pressure fuel pump, so I am starting to suspect that but don't have the setup to test it.