Fuel pump?

[scooter44]

I have a 2001 sportster lx. Never have had any problems. Recently put in the water for the summer. Engine started right up but I can hear a loud pumping hydraulic type of noise. Engine runs fine in neutral on shore station but when in gear will sputter and choke when I increase rpm. I am not very mechanically inclined so had a friend listen and he thinks it could be the fuel pump or a clogged filter. I have it winterized every fall but don't know for sure if they change the fuel filter. I only have about 250 hours on it. Any suggestions. Can I deal with this myself? I'm willing to try to fix myself if no too complicated. Thanks

Scott

[Hoover]

Change the fuel filter first, I had a similar problem that was fixed by changing the filter. The pump maybe noisy because it it starving for fuel.

Filter = Cheap

Pump= about $300

I have a 2001 sportster lx. Never have had any problems. Recently put in the water for the summer. Engine started right up but I can hear a loud pumping hydraulic type of noise. Engine runs fine in neutral on shore station but when in gear will sputter and choke when I increase rpm. I am not very mechanically inclined so had a friend listen and he thinks it could be the fuel pump or a clogged filter. I have it winterized every fall but don't know for sure if they change the fuel filter. I only have about 250 hours on it. Any suggestions. Can I deal with this myself? I'm willing to try to fix myself if no too complicated. Thanks

Scott

Edited June 4, 2010 by Hoover

[scooter44]

Change the fuel filter first, I had a similar problem that was fixed by changing the filter. The pump maybe noisy because it it starving for fuel.

Filter = Cheap

Pump= about $300

Thanks. So now let's assume I'm completely clueless as to how to do this. Which I am. Is the filter in line near the shutoff or in the engine compartment? How easy is this to replace?