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Simply BECAUSE the tank feeds from the very bottom, i've found that that pipe that sits in the bottom of the tank can get VERY silted up with crud. Even to the point where the pump is unable to suck sufficient fuel through to allow the engine to start. This is particularly prevalent on cars that have been standing idle for long periods or soon after being woken from a long rest. Understandably, a lot of folk blame modern aftermarket fuel pumps for this! Whilst it's true that some people have had problems with these pumps, others have fitted them without problems (but you don't hear about those!) It's my thought that there may be an underlying cause of the early failures recorded that has so far escaped attention and this problem may be part of it!
The very worst examples I have seen, have had fuel in the tank, but none came out when the flexible pipe was removed from the tank outlet!
My normal solution is to drain the tank and "Dyno Rod" the pipe with an opened out wire coat hanger. Then flush the tank out with fresh petrol.
Steve
In my case it isn't a blocked tank, I pulled out the flexi pipe and was promptly covered in fuel.