Fuel Tank pick-up Tube with screen

I'm finalizing my install of my 22 gallon reserve fuel tank and thought I would post my findings of the fuel pick-up tube. There are two fuel pick-ups in the 80 gallon Inca fuel tank installed in the 26 Cutwater. Both fuel pick-ups are the same length. 9 3/8 " long with a 1/2" long Screen. The pick up tube is 1" off the bottom of the tank. Top of the tank to bottom is 10 3/8. I have always figured my usable fuel capacity to be 72 gallons based on the 10 % rule (10% of 80). I'm going to drain the tank completely so I can calibrate my fuel tank gauge in increments of 5 gallons. At the same time I will calculate what may actual usable fuel capacity is.

I removed the pick-up tube shown in the photo and was surprised to see a screen on it. Most diesel fuel tanks do not have screens on the pick-ups because they tend to get plugged up from residues that settle near the bottom of the tank over time. The screens on pick-up tubes were installed as a requirement of the ABYC for gasoline fuel tanks with ant-syphons valves.The screens where to help eliminate debris getting stuck in the check ball. Diesel engines are not required to have anti-syphon valves. The requirement is to have a shut off valve. Diesel installations also have primary and secondary filters so the screen are not only not nessasary but could cause issues.

I installed a half inch longer fuel pickup ( pulls fuel 1/2inch off the bottom) with out a screen for my Reserve /transfer tank. I have a Racor filter using 2 micron element filter to polish the fuel and remove water while transferring to my reserve tank.The same process takes place as I transfer the fuel back to the main tank from the reserve tank insuring the fuel is always clean for the engine. My engine fuel pickup remains the same 1" off the bottom but I removed the screen. I have posted some of the pictures of the install in my photo album.

I have not checked my pick up tube, but have heard from others of issues with there being a screen and blockage of the the screen. Need to check that out some day.