Fuel Tank Pickup Tubes

[Banshee36]

Coming in from fishing on Friday, I lost the Port engine 19 miles off the beach. Checked the racor, and it was empty, I knew I had plenty of fuel in the tank, however none was going to the filter. Saturday morning I pulled the fuel pick up tubes and found it was cracked all the way around, about an inch from the top of the tank. Did a quick repair with a new piece of 1/2 inch k copper, and got her up and running again. I then checked out the STB tank pick up and found a hairline crack in the same spot, changed it out.
After repowering 3 years ago the whole fuel system was replaced except the pick up tubes. Every one repowering the 36's , please check them, it could save from a long boat ride home.
JW

 

[Akyla]

This a good point.
When I repowered with diesels I couldn't get one side to maintain the prime. I examined all the fittings I had put in and couldn't figure out what was wrong. Finaly pulled the pickup tubes and the solder joint between the tube and the brass fitting had cracked. A clean up and resolder and it was fine. The old gas engines didn't mind a little air...
If I lose the ability to pull fuel from the tank, I know one place to check.