Fuel pump

[old jim]

With the cover off of my 40 horse Merc. and standing behind the boat there in
plain view is the fuel pump. Can I remove the plate (3 screws ) without springs
going sprong and little parts falling on the gravel pad?? I would like to see if I can
find any bits of plastic from the fuel line. I also assume there is a gasket involved,
is that correct? old jim

[Bryden24shp]

You should have a filter in front of the pump to catch trash before it gets to the pump. Could be a Water/fuel seperator or an in line filter. Every outboard I have owned has had one one type or the other.

[old jim]

Yes Bryden24shp, filter replaced, could not find any thing in the old
filter. old jim