[Steeveedee]

Looks like it is crimped at the base. I've not replaced any, only the whole sending unit. If it seems pliable, and doesn't appear clogged in the holes of the mesh, it's probably OK. Then again, that last amount of gas in the tank was enough that it should have continued to flow when you took the suction line off the fuel pump. If it were mine, I'd replace it.