OK so I answered my own question from my earlier post today. Looks like the gas tank was changed but with the wrong year tank because the return line is not hooked up and there is no where to put it on this tank. What kind of repercussions would i have by not having that hooked up? The car does run great though. Thanks Frank

 

Ponder this: Auto manufactures liken saving a buck on a part or system per car to be a pretty big deal, so if something had no engineering purpose, wouldn't it be in the manufacturers financial interest to not include it? This applies to every component on every car then and now.

Your car was designed with a fuel return system for a reason. That it runs great now is only testimony that you've not yet experienced the parameters where the fuel return makes a difference. Are you using a vented or unvented gas cap.

 

Gas cap says sealed so not vented? What are the possible issues?

 

I think the Q-jets had a return fuel line, but the Holleys did not? I forget. Any one else?

 

The return line comes off of the stock AC fuel filter top. It is to prevent vapor lock in the gas line going to the carburetor. Think about how hot it is under our hoods.
Yes, you need one. Lou.

 

The reason for the return was to keep the fuel from sitting in the line and getting hot. This leads to vapor lock and/or percolation in the carb. You may do just fine without it, or you may have problems in hot weather. If your original fuel pump was changed to one without a return - it wouldn't matter anyway. That metal return line looks awfully rusty as well.

 

Yes, pretty rusty. So if I change the fuel pump to one without the return then i can do away with that line? That would be an alternative because I'm not sure how I would change that rusty line anyway.

 

Not knowing what type of fuel pump you have and how the fuel system is plumbed at the engine. This may be OK...especially with you not having any drive-ability issues.

Knowing that you are north of where I am...and I know it gets HOT here in the Carolinas.....and not knowing how long you have had the car and if you ever have any issues...and when you mainly drive it....it may be fine to leave it alone for the upcoming seasons.

Not knowing if there is a port on the left side of the tank for the vapor line on some models....that is also unknown. So..it is hard to actually say if the fuel tank is able to 'breathe' so-to-speak....and not be under a vacuum. Which I doubt ...but is possible.

AS mentioned by 'gerry72'...having a fuel return was found to be a benefit...because like it was mentioned....GM would NOT have spent the money on added parts if it was not a benefit....but NOT a necessity.

DUB

 

You might already have a fuel pump with NO fuel return. Photos needed if you can not determine if it has fuel return.

Changing out the rusty fuel line is opening up a possible 'CAN OF WORMS' if you replace the fuel return lines as it is designed. The body would have to be raised up in order to change out BOTH of these fuel line (supply and return). Now some people cut and add a union...but I do not. Liability issues prevent me from changing the fuel line design from original factory design.

YES...I have seen fuel lines that look worse than this...but these are REALLY rusty and concern me. Not to make you scared....but this is your fuel system.

DUB

 

I'm running the original Rochester carb rebuilt by Lars last summer. Original type AC fuel filter and fuel pump has a return line. I'm just looking for the best way to fix this and If it means changing the tank then so be it.

 

When I lived in Ga. I had a vehicle that vapor locked only in the spring before the gas companies switched to the less volatile summer formula. If you are not experiencing any current vapor lock issues I would lean toward not fixing a problem that doesn't exist. I'm not sure if I would leave the rusty lines in however. If I decided to replace them I think I would keep the return line just in case.

 

Not all things different to bone stock of that year are hack jobs.

GM had to run the return line not so much as a benefit and as must to get other things working correctly...okay, in that case it's a benefit...

Having the "wrong" tank in a certain year c3 is hack job?...um No.
I am running the L-88 gas tank in my 69 not stock but because it does NOT have that silly return line which I do not need.
( there are other ways to solve vapor lock if you have that )

I am using the correct vented gas cap.

 

Thank for the good advice. And yes I would like to change those fuel lines. Any suggestions short of lifting the body off. Can I run new lines a different way? Or cut off whats bad and repair?

 

Thanks, I am going to pick up a vented gas cap. Have to figure out what to do with those rusted fuel lines first...

 

I do not mean to be picky ...but this comment is a contradiction...and a conflict.... and something has to be plugged off....somewhere.

"Original type AC fuel filter"...for a 1969 has a port coming off the top which is the fuel return...which is plumbed to the main fuel return line on the frame......THUS......the fuel pump can not have a fuel return port on it....if it is factory correct.

IF the fuel pump has s fuel return port...it is the wrong pump....and if it does....and you do have the CORRECT factory type fuel filter...something is not messed up.

Unless you plan on cutting new lines and 'doing whatever' to get them together...the only other option I can advise is ...like I wrote before...replace the lines in their entirety. Others may offer their thoughts....but when I deal with fuel systems....I am only offering years of experience and trying to make sure your investment does not go up in flames.

Changing the tank is possible to get this line connected due to having the needed port.....but unless you have crystal ball....I have experienced Corvettes much like yours where....when return line that have been closed off for some reason or another are re-connected...and fuel flows thought it....there is a hole in the line and the line leaks like crazy.

DUB

 

"best" way to fix with vary with builder, most modders do not need a return line stock fan do....
If you want this back to stock with working correct lines / return line then you need to listen to Dub or a cat that knows the factory stock stuff,
When I made my first reply I assumed you just wanted things to "work" and a tank without a return line is not hack job, neither are rusted fuel lines, 40 plus yo cars need care if they do not receive it they do things like rust, fix it all correctly and be done if that is how you desire it to be....

 

If your not having an issue now I would mark it as address down the road.

When I redid my engine and carburetor to a Holley I keep the return line setup because of the CA 91 fuel we have here that seem to boil over by just looking at it.

L36 fuel filter with return nipple still on place so fuel flows back to the tank.

I agree with DUB though. I would not use a fuel line that been exposed to the elements. You could get all kinds of nasty stuff stuck in the filters.

 

Just musing a bit about the 'Bubba' posts on CF recently....

I wonder what would happen if everyone who found a 'Bubba' fix on a C3 would repair/replace it and then all would send those Bubba items to a common site where they could be assembled into a complete car? Would you then have a car like the one Johnny Cash sang about? ....the Cadillac from '53, '54, '55, '56, '57...........

 

musing about the term "bubba"?

Since I have never heard the term "Bubba" anywhere except this forum my question is who was the originator of it here and what was that persons definition of the word.

The way the term "Bubba" is used here is a paradox and contradiction down right oxymoronic at times, it can mean a total hack job mess or a repair or modification the person simply doesn't like that is in many times far better than even the factory did it.

A purist might call modern wheels and tires on a c3 "Bubba" another cat might call a glassed on hood scoop or custom color paint job "Bubba" just because he doesn't personally like it.

I have seen people call rodent or rust damage "Bubba"

 

EXCEPT..I prefer use 'BOZO'.

DUB