Well, I got the tank out and the fuel pump out of the tank. I don't know how much dirt I let in vs how much was already in there but I'd say it was pretty dirty. Being used on the farm, there's lots of opportunities for dirt to settle in places you wouldn't think it could.

Anyways, I removed the tray on the bottom of the fuel pump and cleaned the screen thoroughly (or what I could). It was grimy and just a solid dark color. I used about a can of carb cleaner but I can't completely free it of what looks like dirt trapped inside. Can I remove the screen to try and do a better job? It looks like it slides in but I'm not sure and I don't want to break anything since a new fuel pump is in the $300 range.

What do you guys think?