Cleaning Fuel Sender Filter

[Thomas M]

I wonder if it's worth cleaning the filter on the fuel sender/pickup. The access plate is in the trunk on the 91 Jetta diesel(240,000miles, original owner). I vacuumed out the accumulated dirt, but could not loosen the finned capnut. Also, the fuel lines must be disconnected......cut??? They are short and look difficult to replace. I thought it would be easy and maybe help to prevent air in my fuel lines.
Any comments would be appreciated, but please stick to the fuel sender issue so as not to complicate things. I'm doing other stuff to address the air issue. Thank You.

[Fatmobile]

Cleaning around the sender is a good idea.
Lots of stuff gathers on top of the tank.
The lines do have to be disconnected, because they are so short. I usually take wire cutters to the clamps, keep the little rings that protect the hose from the clamps and use those again with normal screw-on hose clamps,.. or you can get the special clamps and tool.
I take channel locks to the plastic cap. You'll need to get that to turn.
Pull it out and there is a plastic cover that slides/fits into the bottom of the pickup.
Not a very big screen and it can be very clogged.