1996 Mercury efi 225

I'm not a mechanic so bear with me please. On top of the fuel pump housing there is a small diameter hose that connects to a little in line filter goes over the top of the engine and connects to a little valve on the other side of the motor under the starter. First of all what is it? Also, I found that a hole was ripped in it which I'm assuming is causing fuel to leak out everywhere. Besides the mess, what performance issues would this cause? I'm having rough idle, trouble planing and about 10 mph missing on the top end. Would this be the cause? Thanks in advance

Nobody knows what I'm talking about?

After looking at some diagrams, it looks like I'm talking about a bleed system line that connects to the top of the vst. So with that being identified, what performance issues would accompany this?

That is a recirculation line and they filter the return fuel. Your engine may idle rough and smoke a bit since it is not recirculating the unburned fuel. Replace it.

Thank you. Would this cause some bogging when trying to get on plane/ overall weak performance as well?

It can also make the motor back fire occasionally . The main concern about the leaking Bleed lines is that GAS is being sprayed out into the cowling and on the engine and could result in a fire. I replaced all my bleed lines just to make sure no fire hazzard.

Thank y'all. I'm taking the boat to get serviced. I just wanted to see if this was causing all my issues, which it doesn't sound like it is.

On a motor of that age, I would have them replace all those bleed lines while you have it on the shop. I

I would also replace the fuel line from the motor to the tank with ethanol resistant line if you have not done so previously. Old style fuel lines will disintegrate from the inside out.

Gman

That is what the bleed lines are for. To prevent puddling of the fuel in the intake. Puddling causes pawsing, missing, stumbling, hesitation and bogging

Take a phone picture and post it here.