removing the pickup tube from the gas tank on 376

[mark p]

After reading the responses to my questions about fuel filters, I think i need to clean the filter screen on my pickup tube on my 376. Anyone know how to do this?thanks,Miles PincusLas Brisas1998 Hunter 376

 

[Don Alexander]

Fuel Pickup Tube Cleaning

Miles,I had several fuel blockages on my 376 and removed the pickup tube by first tracing the feed line back from the filter in the engine bay to the tank, then by disconnecting the tube and lastly unscrewing the connection on the top of the tank.The screen is a tube of stainless mesh on the bottom of the 1/2" dia plastic tube.I removed the scren altogether. Then the muck in the tank was pulled through to the filter and blocked the inlet pipe to this. Not the filter itself but there is a 90 degree cross drilling inside the filter which blocked. Then I removed the rubber feed tube from the tank and blew it through.Lastly I took the plate for the fuel gauge out of the tank, decanted all the fuel and sucked all (most?, some?) of the muck out. One cannot easily see inside the tank.There is NO DRAIN point on the tank.I believe the muck was introduced when the holes were cut in the tank during manufacture as the contaminatoin looked fibrouus and gritty.You will appreciate this saga took place over two years and numerous engine stoppages as every time I thought I had cured the problem it reappeared in another place.Good luck with yours.regards Donalex@compuserve.com

 

[Jessie Gentry]

Been there and hope to eliminate!

After having the engine stop at always the best places, replacing too many filters, dealing with blockages in the pickup line etc., and a very busy fuel dock, I just placed a portable tank system on board. I get fuel at the local gas station on the way out to Kemah, two quick connects, pump the bulb and we are off. If a tank gets dirty or bad fuel, clean up is now going to be easy. I removed the lines off the main tank and extend the pickup and return lines by 8’ and place then in the stern locker. The 2 tanks are standard outboard tanks (non-metal) which I may paint yellow or label DESILE. I picked these tanks for the same size threads are used for the fuel gauge and the pickup and can be swap around. So, with 2 tanks I placed both pickup ports on one tank, which gives a return line and the pickup. I place the two fuel gauges on the spare tank. The cost was around $100.00.I sail in the Galveston Bay area and 6 gallons should last about 3-4 trips. I will have the main tank clean out by a shipyard next haul out, I will not use the main tank but keep it dry. It will be used only for the BIG trip if that ever happens. Mental FlossH-34 1984