Fuel line, Pump, Or Carb Issues?

I purchased a 15 HP Tohatsu m15B 351A outboard with a little 14 foot fiberglass skiff. It ran good with the already full fuel tank it came with. I took it out and it ran like a champ for the entirety of the tanks contents. When i fueled up again, i started having issues with the motor choking and dying out when going anywhere over trolling speed. I figured out that pumping the primer ball would keep it from dying, but i didnt really want to have to continually pump the primer while cruising, so i researched it and found that it would be something to do with fuel, either in the pump or carburator. I took the pump and carb off (the pump is attached to the carb) and using some carb cleaner spray and a brush, cleaned everything out of both the pump and carb. When i put it back on the boat and test drove my efforts last night, the primer ball issue disappeared, but now i can only go about half the top speed i was able to go before.

Im a very technically minded person, and am not scared to take things apart, so thats exactly what i did. My question is, should i pull the carb back out and put it in some carb cleaner soak? should i just do the seafoam in the carb while running thing?

Also, when i was putting the diaphragms pack on the pump, one of them looked the exact same whether it was placed on the pump with side 1 facing the carb or side 2 facing the carb, would that make a major difference if it was backward?

I just wanted to get some feedback before i pull the motor back off and carry it up the harbor stairs up to the car to take it home.... please advise...

Thanks,

Josh

As mentioned on the other forum, if pumping the primer works, then either you are not delivering fuel, or you are getting air into the system.

The o-rings in the fuel connectors do get worn/dry, so if getting air, it's time for a new connector or two (or if you are crafty, match-up the o-rings, which are not available from the manufacturer).

If the fuel is restricted or just not delivering, the pump/carb is suspect. FWIW, a Proper carb cleaning involves Complete disassembly (including all jets, etc.), and a 4-plus hour soak in real carb dip, followed by a thorough blow-out with generic carb spray.