I have an all original 71 442 that has been giving me some issues. It will run great for a while and then it starts acting like it’s starving for fuel. As soon as I try to give it gas it falls on its face. I rebuilt the carb thinking that was the issue but no change. I also replaced the fuel pump just to rule that out but again no change. I figured there must be some junk in the tank that was gutting sucked into the pickup intermittently but I dropped the tank and it looks brand new inside. The sock on the pickup is black/brownish and brittle. Could that be my issue? I have included a picture of the sock and the inside of the tank.

 

Replace the sock.

 

Have you checked to see if the tank is venting?

 

I have not checked to see if it is venting. What’s the best way to check?

 

If I had it apart like you show, I would blow some air down the vent lines with an air compressor and listen in the sending unit opening.

 

Are all three of the lines on the front of the tank vent lines?

 

Here is a pic of the whole tank

 

Have you checked/replaced the fuel filter?

Since you've taken the tank down, why not just replace the entire sending unit, which will include a new sock?

 

Yes, the filter was the first thing I tried. I will just replace the whole sending unit while it’s apart.

 

Also check the rubber fuel line connections along the frame. If they're dry rotted they may suck air.