Fuel return line, quick question

TomCat

New Member

Apr 19, 2005

412

0

0

Utah

Feb 9, 2009

#1

• Feb 9, 2009

• #1

So I'm doing a fuel pump replacement and I noticed that the return line is just capped off as it sits above the actual fuel pump? My question is, and it might be a bad one lol, how does the fuel return if it's just capped off? Secondly, the old cap was rotted a bit and tore while I was inspecting it, so would it be safe to just throw a new cap on there and call it a day?
I'm talking about the 1/4" line into the fuel pump hanger deal if anyone's wondering, I assume this is the return line.

Thanks,

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

18

108

Chicagoland

Feb 9, 2009

#2

• Feb 9, 2009

• #2

Hmm... that's an odd one. It's not converted to carb, right? No return line at all? I wonder how that works with the system on there, if it's a stock type pump. Does it run rich as hell?

 

TomCat

New Member

Apr 19, 2005

412

0

0

Utah

Feb 9, 2009

#3

• Feb 9, 2009

• #3

Seemed to run fine when it was and it's still got EFI on it. I was thinking it's possible that there was a separate return line, kinda loosely plugged into the tank sitting kinda away from everything else... so I guess I might be modifying my question to what is the smaller line off the fuel pump bracket for?

Hehe, I'm sure pictures would be worth a thousand words here

Thanks much

 

BlownFiveLiter

have car, will race....wait, it doesn't run

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

3,133

18

108

Chicagoland

Feb 9, 2009

#4

• Feb 9, 2009

• #4

The smaller line is the return, so I'm sure you're right, that it's not connected. Is it possible that someone used a newer pump from, say an SVT Focus? The newer cars are variable speed pumps, on a returnless fuel system, so there may not be a provision for a return line.

 

TomCat

New Member

Apr 19, 2005

412

0

0

Utah

Feb 9, 2009

#5

• Feb 9, 2009

• #5

How strange... hmm, well I'll leave it uncapped then, I assume this Walbro 255 is meant to be run like that. I'll check out that old pump tomorrow, see what's up.

Thanks for the help mate, can always rely on SN and it's knowledgeable members

 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL

In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions

Mar 10, 2000

27,512

2,811

234

Dublin GA

Feb 9, 2009

#6

• Feb 9, 2009

• #6

The return line opens up just above the fuel pump and dumps the return fuel back into the tank. I think that there is supposed to be a rubber duck bill looking cap on the retun line inside the tank. It allows fuel to flow back in the tank, but closes when fuel tries to flow back up the return line. It is often missing or damaged, and you can run without it.