F100TLRZ 2001 4 stroke

I am currently in a bind. I have the 2001 F100TLRZ 4 stroke engine which runs great. The last time I went out it would not stay running. If I choked the engine it would idle fine as long as it was choked. The minute I backed down the choke throttle it would crap out telling me it was starving for fuel. Also if I went and primed the ball and then started in neutral it would sit and idle for a minute and then stop. I changed the fuel filter but I am thinking that maybe I have a air leak somewhere because the ptimer ball will not stay firm. Am I correct in my findings or do i have to go deeper. Would It be one of the fuel pumps?

[Dennisg]

I have had the same problem with a 2004 f225, it turned out to be the fuel pump. As long as I kept pumping the primer bulb, it would run, when I stoped, so did the motor. I hope this helps. Dennis