fuel pump??

I’ve got a 97′ johnson 40horse and tonight on the way back in to the landing, I had to pump the fuel ball in order to keep the motor running. I’m wondering if there’s a fuel pump on the motor or what else it could be? any help would be appreciated.

Could be the ball on the fuel line. If your motor was running and it got soft, might want to start there.

Thanks, thats what was happening!!

Yup you just need a new fuel line the check vavle is shot

Could be a rookie/operator error???

I would have been surprised to get any other response from you helmet!! Thanks for your help!!

Replace the fuel line squeeze ball first, if that don’t fix it, then you need a new fuel pump.

you may possibly have a dirty fuel filter/screen as well, requiring additional fuel pressure applied by you squeezing the ball in order to get fuel past the clogged filter……….

Make sure your fuel system is clean. Sediment buildup of old fuel in a motor, sitting over the winter can cause this.

I also had this problem a few years ago. If you got a plastic gas tank it might be the pick up hose in the tank.Mine was cracked right where the clamp holds it to the float/fuel assembly…causing it to suck air! Other wise it could be the ball on the fuel line like every one else was saying.