97 454 mag carbed. just started cutting out. First time was after running for an hour. Acts like it isnt getting fuel. Cruising at 3k rpm it stuttered off and on. Changed fuel filter and ran for 30 minutes or so with no problems, then after having lunch and running at wot for 15 minutes it cut out again...speed dropped about 5mph before it cut out. Also...when I pulled the old fuel filter it was only half full. Should it be full? Ideas?

Thanks guys!

Fuel/water separator should be full. You might want to replace the fuel pump.

Bad fuel pump filter should be full

Was thinking it was the fuel pump, but hoping for something easier...air leak or something.

Anyway...I'm on vacation with the boat and don't want to wait for one to be shipped. Is there an automotive grade pump that I can get for the time being? Merc # 861677T

pull the inlet out of the tank...ck that and the anti-siph valve in there....seen them get a small piece of trash there and screw up..

97 big block carbs with pump mounted on sea water pump, use a small block Chevy pump

would that cause a problem at wot?

yes, restricts fuel flow badly if get stuck...unreal how small the opening is with these things..surprised they run at all at speed..

tween you an mde i knock those "anti siphon valves" out as they cause nothing but trouble!,,,buy a cheap elect fuel pump from oreilly an install inline betwen tank an yur fuel pump with key power to turn off an on,thatll get yu thru vacation

Some one had the same problem and it was the pick up in distributer