Fuel Tank Surprise Finding

[sailon46]

Sailing from Green Cay Marina (St Croix) to Norman's (BVI) I encountered a dying diesel when I dropped the sails and tried to start the Yanmar JH3HTE to maneuver at the buoys in Pirates. I changed the filters primary and secondary no luck. The vacuum indicator on the Primary pegged up. Switched finally ti the second tank and started the engine and docked the boat. Sailed back after the weekend to Green Cay Marina and when docked I started investigating. The pick-up tube of the tank and the ball valve at the end of it were completely plugged with white noodles like material. Upon close inspection I uncovered that the Fuel electronic indicator sending unit had been sealed by PO (Moorings) with 5200 sealant between the Sending unit and the tank. I came loose after the years 4-5 that I have owned the Bene 51.4 and plugged up the works in thankfully not a critical time i.e maneuvering around jetties rocks etc.
FYI Ernie on the Mary Jane