pics of fuel pick up hose and related matters

[Ken Heyman]

Attached are two photos of my fuel pick up tube after removal from the tank. It's being held by my "hired hand".I was astonished to find that the screen had actually been sucked into the tube. I'm amazed that sufficient fuel could bypass this obstruction to allow the engine to run adequately. I followed the advice on this forum and did end up removing and cleaning my tank using Ron's "acetone treatment" method. While the last few ounces of drained diesel were a bit discolored and syrupy, I didn't have the black sludge described by many. The tank now, at least what I can see of it is clean and hopefully will remain that way for its useful life (or mine). Anyone who is debating whether or not to do this shouldn't hesitate. The procedures on this forum and other areas of the site make it relatively easy.

Actually I was simply going to change my filters more frequently this season and schedule the tank removal in the fall. When I was removing the fuel pick up tube and attached hose, the hose slid back into the tank   . After a few expletives I removed the remaining fittings and took the tank to my house. My ace hardware spring loaded "claw" was able to pluck the line from the bottom once I shook the tank to allow it to fall to an accessible corner.

One interesting footnote and question. After re-installation,. there was still pressure in my fuel system. I cranked up the diesel - ran at 1500 rpm for 15 minutes(in neutral) and as of yet haven't needed to bleed it. Maybe there is still air in the system that hasn't worked its way through yet?I didn't need to replace my lines as they turned out to be in good shape (supple and flexible). Hence the only lines disconnected were those involving the tank not the pump, filter etc.

thanks to all regarding the advice,

Ken


(having trouble with the pics so I'll add them later)