Engine starts but does not keep running

[ssmith2405]

I just brought out of retirement my fathers 68 evinrude 6hp fisherman outboard (6802R). It has not be started in 15 years. I put new plugs in it and bought a new tank and fuel line. I noticed when I squeezed the squeeze bulb on the fuel line, fuel would squirt out around the fuel filter (is this suppose to do this). The engine will start and run. But after a minute or so, it quits like its out of fuel. I have to then squeeze the squeez bulb a few times to get it started. It will start, run then die again after a few minutes. Any ideas?

[boats.net]

Sounds like you need to replace the fuel pump. The fuel is not supposed to squirt around the screen.

[Neptune422]

I would take the carb off and check the needle valve. You could spray lots of WD40 inside the carb to help un-stick the parts when you have it open, clean out the tubes, and just basically clean it up. It sounds like when you squeeze the bulb gas is forced into the carb but then the needle valve sticks shut and cuts off the supply of fuel until you squeeze it again. The needle should be pointed and not look like it's got an indentation at all. With the carb off and the bowl removed, hold the carb upright and see if the float drops down like it should or does it stick in the up/closed position...If it sticks in the up/closed position it's probably bad and needs a new needle valve. Another thing to check is that you have the vent on the gas can open so it's lets air into the can. If the cap is on too tight or it can't vent it will not let gas out to the motor like it should. These are the cheaper things to check before getting a new pump.

[Neptune422]

Just another thought. I had the same engine different year I think (got stolen), I loved that engine. When you get it running, every time you stop using it for the day let the gas run out by disconnecting the fuel line at the engine and running the engine till it runs out of fuel so the carb sits empty. This helps keep the carb from getting sticky with gas that my have corn squeezins in it (ethanol). I always had good luck starting the motor this way because it helped avoid gumming up the carb with crappy gas while it sat.