Fuel Pick up in gas tank

I have a 1972 Skier with thermo electron 351W. How do you get to the fuel pick up in the gas tank. I see a 90 degree brass fitting on top of the tank. I presume if I remove that there will be a pick up tube with a filter. Is that correct? Do I have to pull the tank to get it out? I worried it may be clogged or damaged.

inconsistent fuel flow seems to be starving for fuel. I put a see through gas filter in to see fuel flow, no gauges. The filter fills then no flow, then flow again. It may be the fuel pump but I wanted to rule out other variables. I think having to pull the tank might change my mind. Not sure the tank could have all kinds of stuff in it.

What do you mean a vent issue? Where's the vents, in the carb, it has been rebuilt.

OK, the tank vent is clear. What I also noticed is fuel is not retained in the fuel line from pump to carb. There is usually a stop valve in fuel pump to hold gas from going back down.

jborzak wrote: What I also noticed is fuel is not retained in the fuel line from pump to carb. There is usually a stop valve in fuel pump to hold gas from going back down.

It does sound like a pump problem to me too. Some of the older pumps that are screwed together instead of riveted are re buildable. You get new check valves, diaphram, springs and gaskets. If your local Napa can't help, go for a new pump.

Hopefully you didn't use a see through filter like these:


Both are designed to go in the suction line from the tank to the pump and in fact the second one is only recommended for outboards. Also, hopefully you don't have a rubber fuel line with hose clamps on it between the pump and the carb. The line needs to be steel. Some states with safety inspections will reject a boat equipped with such because it doesn't meet Coast Guard regs. Several here on site have mentioned similar set-ups to some as being unsafe. They have claimed to have never had a problem - yet!!!