Fuel tank pick-up; bottom of tank or not?

[IllesheimVet]

Some tanks have a fuel pick-up that goes all the way to the bottom of the tank. Some have one that ends maybe 3/8 to 1/2 inch above the bottom. I'm thinking it best to have one all the way to the bottom to get any water or debris out and let it get caught by the water separator instead of sitting in the bottom of the tank where it will cause corrosion. Opinions??

 

[Tater72958]

I would rather have water in a separator than water setting in my tank rusting it up

 

[Chris1956]

There are not many steel fuel tanks left, these days, so corrosion is not much of an issue. Traditionally the fuel pickups were a bit above to keep water and dirt out of the filters and the motor. Obviously the best thing to do is monitor the water amount in the tank and siphon it out when it builds up. Also today's fuel will absorb water, also lessening the issue.