Can you help. What would be the reasons that the "ball" that you squeeze on the gas line does not remain hard. I have changed the line and ball (not new, but another used). I am going to try to use a stronger clamp on the ends and change the fitting coming out of the gas tank. Any ideas other than these? Thank you. It is a 70 HP Johnson.. 1989

Make sure the vent on on the gas tank is open. The ball won't be hard so to speak, but if the vent is closed it will create a vacuum and collapse the ball.