25 Merc sneezing!

Had some engine trouble over the weekend. The outboard would stall and die on me repeatedly. It appears to be a fuel issue. The fuel line was coming apart. Some type of clear lining inside the fuel line was de-laminating from the inside wall of the hose. The previous owner did not use marine gas, and I think the ethanol has disintegrated the hose. Towards the end, my motor was backfiring pretty often at idle. It sounded just like a short sneeze! Do you folks think this is related? Thanks!

Yes replace all your hose and I would also replace the primmer bulb too. I get my fuel line at the local Mercury store as that is the motor I have, some here use normal automotive fuel line.

If you have a fuel filter change that too. Maybe the crud didn't get into the carb or fuel pump.

If outboards are sucking air anywhere the motors will not run well at all.

I replaced the bulb, fuel line, and filter. Same issues afterwards! I drained some fuel from the vent hole, while tank was upside down, into a mason jar. Lots of water in the tank! I bought a new tank, and now she runs like a new one!