2000 Merc 200 cuts out

[kerryvbc1]

Hey all
I'm having a problem with my 2000 Merc opti 200. It starts great, runs at low idle and low speed fine, but when I get up above 2500 rpm for more than about 3-4 minutes it starts to cut out? I've cleaned the fuel filter in the tank, replaced the fuel filter in the motor. I slow it down when it starts to stumble give it a minute at a slower speed, then when I get it up to speed again its starts cutting out again after another 3-4 minutes. Seems like a fuel issue to me but i don't want to start just replacing parts without at least asking around. Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

[twigass]

well for starters is it efi or carb. either way it could be the fuel pump, not 100% though. but if its a carb model have someone sit on the back deck and when it happens have them pump the primer bulb if it has 1 and if it fixes it then its a pump

[dizzy_ghs]

I just had the same problem. A friend of mine suggested it may be a fuel line problem. I bought a universal kit from Wally World that included the line and primer bulb. Took 15 minutes to install and fixed the problem.

[kerryvbc1]

Thanks guys! Its fuel injected. I'm wondering about the fuel pump because it never dies and gets going again pretty quick. I've never known a fuel pump that just couldnt keep up

[jasonfish320]

I would place my bet on the fuel pump...I have replaced a few over the years, you can usually tell by running your boat to the point where it starts to quit and then giving the ball a good squeeze..if the motor fires back up and runs fine then the fuel pump has been compromised and needs to be replaced

[Abbeysdad]

I had a similar problem with my 90hp Mercury. Would run fine at slow speeds but if I advanced the throttle it would sputter and surge. I thought maybe a fuel pump or filter issue.
Come to find out I had one spark plug (3 cylinder) with a cracked insulator arching left, right and sideways. Dealer said he'd never seen/heard anything like it before...so maybe not yer issue ??

[Captmikestarrett]

The bulb squeeze will tell all.

Capt Mike

[kerryvbc1]

Well, installed the fuel pump and the kit came with about 6' of fuel line. I knew I should but I did not want to pull all the wrap off the line that covers the the fuel hose and the other wires that go from the boat to the motor. I pulled out the hand pump for a look and sure enough, it was plugged with something. Found that the fuel line from the tank to the motor(grey color) had deteriorated. but not the fuel line in the motor compartment (black)
Thanks for everyones help