Fuel Pump

[TransistorQ1]

Does anyone know how low the fuel pump can clear the tank in an 85 300ZX?

The Z wouldn't start, (gas gauge is defunct), there is about 2 inches of fuel in the tank. The pump won't suck it. This seems odd to me that I would have to maintain approx 2 gallons of gas just to reach the pump.
I removed the tank for troubleshooting, thinking the pump was bad.

If I tilt the tank to the right, (towards the pump), raising the fuel level on the pump, the pump will suck the fuel and pump back into the tank via a hose.

The simple answer is just to keep it full, but that isn't a good answer. It should be able to extract all the fuel out of the tank.

Could the pump be bad or is there some other mechanical issue I'm missing, or is this normal?

Thank you for the assistance.

TQ1

[evildky]

how is the filter sock? the filter sock should hang down into the gas but at some point you simply can't suck any more out, also if the pump hanging bracket is bent then the pump won't sit as low as it should, someone trying to force it in could have popped the filter sock off and or bent the bracket

if you expect the pump to suck the tank dry you're out of luck, it won't happen on any car, it's liek that last little bit of milkshake you can't get up the straw (I drink your milkshake!)

you might not need to run your tank full but it's a good idea to keep the gauge above "E"