Fuel Pump died and came back

imported post

Today I went 16-miles there and back. It was cool for the first time this season so it was hesitating more than usual leaving the house with the choke midway or nearly off. I stopped next house down and checked to ensure the fuel petcock was on. Bad habit, I never turn it off but recently read it is best to turn it off. I turned the fuel off then back on, probably the second time in 8 years. Later I am wondering what it may have caused to break loose, like crud in the petcock. Away, I get to where I am going and stop for an hour. I leave and go two blocks and it dies quick at 25 miles an hour. My first thought was it is the fuel pump as the lights stayed on. I pulled over and crank it just to see what it does. It cranks strong but does not fire. After about three minutes of checking fuses I crank it again and it starts but revs high for 5 to 10 seconds and then dies. Now I am pretty certain it is a fuel problem. I disconnect the fuel line from the fuel pump on the filter side. Gas flows out strong. I put the hose back on. I remove the fuel pump bolts. Holding it in my hand I crank it and it starts normally and gets me home.
Now I am wondering if the original fuel pump and filter should be changed. I am thinking the fuel came out the line pretty strong by gravity so maybe the fuel filter is okay. The fuel pump was cycling in my hand and a Honda mechanic walking by said that it was cycling normal. When I first removed the fuel line the mechanic said he saw waste come out of the line, but I missed it if it did. So I am now wondering if it was clogged with crud, but it was downstream from the filter it should have been clean. So I am not sure about the crud or how it may have been there.
On the way home I was not so sure it was running smooth, but the main highway was just paved with heavy gravel and even my car is now extra noisy on the road. My imagination was very tuned-in to every sound the bike made and was hoping to get home. Everything seemed extra noisy on the way home.

At the very least I will probably pull the tank and clean it and lines, it’s never been done.
Other than that, this bike has never broken down, except for a relay melt down near the battery years ago. It has never been apart - so far so good.
Question is: how long can these fuel pumps hang in there? When they do die, is it sudden death? Can they stop and go? Should I get a spare? I am not keen on buying spares as where does that stop when everything is this old? All is original equipment.