- Stainless steel screw fasteners in aluminum can be stubborn, especially if they’re partially stripped or corroded; use a penetrating lubricant and careful back out with the proper driver; if you do need to drill-out a fastener, go slowly; use a tap to clean up the threads afterward.
- Have a back-up plan in case the replacement [tank pick-up plate] holes to not align with the existing holes.
- Inspect the mesh screens and replace them if they are deteriorated.
- Inspect the vent for blockage.
- Monitor engine speed at full-throttle after the fuel pick-up has been replaced or reinstalled. Then compare the engine speed at full throttle before and after the work to determine if the pick-up was [causing a fuel flow rate reduction].
- Clean and inspect the fuel tank while it is mostly empty, looking for rust, debris, or sediment.
Florida Marine Tanks: Notes on Fuel Pick-up
Florida Marine Tanks: Notes on Fuel Pick-up
Here are a notes from my experience with Florida Marine Tanks and the fuel pick-up: