on a 2003 1200 c, do you need to remove the gas tank to change the gas filter screen or can I just unscrew the nut above the petcock and drop it down?

 

I don't have the service manual for the 2003, however, on my 2000xlc the procedure is :

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable
2. Turn the fuel shutoff valve to the off position.
3. Drain the fuel tank
4. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the fuel shutoff
valve.
5. Loosen the fuel valve nut and remove the fuel shutoff
valve from the fuel tank. Drain gasoline remaining in the
tank after valve removal.

Cleaning and Inspection
1. Inspect the filter mounted on top of the fuel valve. Remove
contamination from the filter. Replace the filter if it is
damaged.
2. Install a new filter gasket before installing the filter onto
the fuel valve.
3. Remove all sealant residue from the fuel tank and fuel
valve threads.

Installation
1. Install a new filter gasket onto the fuel shutoff valve,
then install the filter.
2. Coat the fuel valve threads with pipe sealant.
3. Insert the fuel valve into the tank, then start the hex fitting
onto the fuel tank threads two turns.
4. Hold the hex fitting and start the fuel valve into the fitting
by turning it counterclockwise two turns.
5. Hold the fuel valve and tighten the hex fitting securely.
6. Reconnect the fuel hose to the fuel shutoff valve and secure
it with a hose clamp. Secure the fuel supply with a new
hose clamp as described in Fuel Hose and Clamps in this
chapter.
7. Reconnect the vacuum hose to the valve.
8. Refill the fuel tank and check for leaks.

 

excellent! Thanks for the post!