DF140 Low fuel/power issue

[FLDXT08]

Think I know what the issue is, but wanted to get a second opinion from the pros.
Just returned from a week in teh keys, I rarely run my boat above 5000rpms and rarely let it get below a half a tank a fuel. Down there with long runs I let the fuel get down there and run the motor a little harder. Ran fine for the first three days, fuel got around a half a tank and I pushed the motor to about 5500rpms and it acted like it wasn't getting any fuel, it would hiccup and back down, it would run fine around 4000-4500 but struggled in the higher rpm ranges. I filled the tank up, took 18 gallons in a 40 gallon tank, ran it up to 6000rpms and never missed a beat. I'm thinking I have a cracked pick up hose in the fuel tank and it is sucking air, not getting enough fuel, when I ask it for higher rpms. A second opinion would be great, I am not familiar with what the pick up hose looks like in my tank, but any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance guys!

[nelbur]

It could be an air leak anywhere from the tank to the engine, or it could be a weak low pressure fuel pump. If you pump the bulb when it is acting up, does that eliminate the problem?

[FLDXT08]

Never tried it, but I sure will. A buddy suggested teh same thing but after getting it filled with fuel I could not simulate it again, I will have to burn some gas first then I will try it again. Thanks for the advice.