Help!! John Deere Gator Fuel Delivery Issue

[dshoe]

I have a Diesel John Deere Gator w/ ~540 hours of use. A few days ago, it started running very rough, and was emitting white smoke from the exhaust. After running rough for a couple minutes, it would cut off. I replaced the fuel filter after doing some basic research, it didn't help. What I have noticed is that when the engine cuts off, the fuel filter is almost out of fuel, and when trying to crank the engine it fills a tiny bit each time, eventually it fills up and will run for a couple minutes before being becoming fully drained and cut off again. From what I have read: It is possibly the mesh filter in the tank that is clogged. Also I thought that the fuel pump may be going bad, but I would like to try to clean the filter first.
A) What do you all think the problem is?
B) If you do think the problem is the mesh filter in the tank how do I remove and clean it?
C) How often should the fuel pump be replaced? (I have owned the vehicle since new, never replaced fuel pump)

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Mechanos]

You generally have to remove the pickup/sender unit from the tank to access the pickup screen.

 

[joecdeere]

what model gator?

 

[kennyd]

See if it runs without the fuel cap on, its vented and if it plugs up the fuel cant flow