yes, the pump and filter are inside the tank. Try getting it cleaned out. If not find a used one. Don't thin the injectors are the real cause. Here's a good rust remover, apple cider vinegar. Youtube it.

 

if issues persist, i've had good results with LUCAS OIL engine treatment... i did not do a proper winterization other than oil change last fall and my injectors were gummed up
result in spring is what you've described, though i didnt check how injectors fired or anything like that.. i got her to start a couple of times and it would sputter and die..
so i put 2 oz of the engine treatment in with fresh 92 octane gas and it fired up in the 1st try!! instantly came to life :yesnod
i've also used it recently and i feel a good bit of increased torque and response at the throttle, guess our shitty ethanol mixed gas isnt the cleanest :nono:

 

having rust particles is different from old gas.

 

true enough... just tossing it out there

 

I didn't suspect the injectors until the end of my diagnostics. the pump and strainer had to be replaced. it sucked in fuel and during a few priming sessions it would not "whirrrr" consistently and fuel from the lines was pumping very weak and drippy.

The old injectors failed bench test so i know they have to go.

I have access to a service manual but skimming through it i did not see anything in regards to a fuel filter which i was suspecting would be a little clogged if we have one.

 

the filter has been moved to the pump assembly since 02. You may need to flush the fuel lines as well. Rust is a pain to deal with. It keeps breaking down so will go through any filter given enough time. Seriously, check out apple cider vinegar. It's an old trick when we ran carb bikes. Or if you have the dough, break down your throttle bodies and clean it with an ultrasonic cleaner.

 

I think its the filter in the pump assembly that's clogged. turning the ignition to the on position and priming the fuel pump, i get equivalent to a faucet 1/4 way on.