fuel pick up tube

[Gary Ambrose]

We have just cleaned our fure tank.  After reinstall we had an air leak in the fuel line pickup.  It is an odd affair.  Between the fuel shut off and the tank threaded nut is a plastic tube and plastic flange.  To that a section of 3/8 fuel line is used to reach the bottom.  The plastic tube had been sliced vertically and had plastic fish hook like barbs cut with a knife to provide friction between the plastic and 3/8's fuel line.  Odd.  What actually holds the plastic in place anyway?  Are new fuel line pick ups as easily available as the fuel sending unit has been to replace?

Thanks...

[Ron Hill]

Gary : Sounds as though you've got an ODD ball pickup tube. 
The only ones I've seen are a solid metal tube extending down from the tank fitting to about 4 inches off of the bottom of the tank.  Then a piece of 3/8" rubber fuel line is attached so the line lays parallel to the bottom of the tank for a few inches.
If your's is now working properly then you might consider leaving it - your call.  Guess the plastic tube must fit into a metal tube/hole in the top fitting????
What I'd suggest is to contact Catalina parts and get another pickup tube or the address of the company that makes the tank so you can get the correct pickup tube.   

[Gary Ambrose]

Thanks Ron.  We have a pretty good boat yard and mechanic...will check to see what we can do there and then go to Catalina if that does not pan out.  Again, thanks for the quick response.