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Why do people block fuel return lines??

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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 07:26 PM
  #41  
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rajsid:
It all depends on what carb you have in regards to the cfm, jets and how you are going to drive it. Just do nto want to starve it for fuel. I will check, unless somebody has the info already, on how many cfm the factory pumps deliver. I will get back to you tomorrow, or like I wrote, somebody has done this and has the "trick"
"DUB"
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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 08:28 PM
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Stock fuel pump are good for about 600HP. L88s raced with stock fuel pumps 'back in the day' with no problems. This is not rocket science.
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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by grandmastercorvette
rajsid:
It all depends on what carb you have in regards to the cfm, jets and how you are going to drive it. Just do nto want to starve it for fuel. I will check, unless somebody has the info already, on how many cfm the factory pumps deliver. I will get back to you tomorrow, or like I wrote, somebody has done this and has the "trick"
"DUB"
I have the stock Holly carb that came with big bock cars in 69.
I am just a normal driver and I don't race the car.
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Old Jun 17, 2009 | 09:10 PM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by rajsid
grandmastercorvette,
Let me use this opportunity to pick your brain as well.

My car has a 502 HT crate motor. The PO installed the new motor and a Holley electric fuel pump close to the tank. And of course he removed the return line and there are enough rubber hoses involved. I have been wanting to return the car back to almost stock condition. A few questions.

1) Will a stock fuel pump set up work with a 502 HT crate motor?
2) If not, are there other alternatives that resembles the stock set up?
I had to do a little googling to find what I believe is the case (You must use an electric fuel pump)

The 502 HO requires an electric fuel pump because the 502 Gen VI block has no mechanical fuel pump boss.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 12:19 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by PRNDL
I had to do a little googling to find what I believe is the case (You must use an electric fuel pump)
Hi PNRDL,
Thanks for the info. That's consistent with what the PO told me.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 12:40 AM
  #46  
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A 502 doesn't have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump, so you'll need to go electric with a regulator.

Also, a SB (383) mechanical pump and a BB pump (454) are not interchangable as was stated above. The actuating arms are different.

And agree. Rubber fuel lines between the pump and carb is dangerous. Right up there with running without an air cleaner.

Lastly be careful with pressure. With carbs, it's easy to overpower the needle and seat, especially in a Q-Jet.

Good luck!
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 12:54 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Stock fuel pump are good for about 600HP. L88s raced with stock fuel pumps 'back in the day' with no problems. This is not rocket science.
I have a stock mech. fuel pump and i'm able to run with my foot on the floor for extended periods of time without fuel starvation.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 10:34 AM
  #48  
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Sorry, but I keep comming back with additional dumb questions. I would like to re-connect the fuel return line to fuel pump, even though it would not be '68 factory correct set-up. What should I be concerned about? I'm thinking, that's what I should do:

1. Inspect the fuel return line, if it does not leak and whether it is connected to fuel tank (not being cut somewhere in the middle)
2. Re-connect the return line to the fuel pump (as seen in the picture below).
3. Start the engine & check how it works

Or am I missing something?

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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 11:02 AM
  #49  
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Linas, that will work. I'd make sure the 1/4 inch isn't clogged.

Also, it's said above that a stock mechanical fuel pump can keep up with higher HP engines (600 was said to be ok and L-88's were said to be ok) but I disagree.

A typical stock MFP will flow about 30 GPH. Trust me. That won't keep up with built BB.

L-88's did not have a typical stock fuel pump. I believe they had a Carter rebuildable pump that's similar to today's Carter Street pump that flows 80 GPH. Somebody can confirm or correct what pump was used on L-88's and ZL-1's, but it wasn't the same pump used on typical BB's.

Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; Jun 18, 2009 at 05:02 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 11:17 AM
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Linas,
Check that return line out real good before trying it. A lot of times there was a very good reason that line was not used. And if it's been sitting there unused for awhile there may be a lot of crud in it or it may have started rusting from the inside if any moisure has made its way in there.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 11:41 AM
  #51  
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pressurize the old lines with compressed air, say 60psi.
then close a valve off to the line, if it holds the pressure for 10 minutes or so,
you should be good with no leaks. 69VETTE

The lines usually start to leak, and thats why they are not used any longer,
usually no one goes in and dissconnects a perfectly working system.

Last edited by 69Vett; Jun 18, 2009 at 11:45 AM.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 05:26 PM
  #52  
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Originally Posted by tshort
Linas,
Check that return line out real good before trying it. A lot of times there was a very good reason that line was not used. And if it's been sitting there unused for awhile there may be a lot of crud in it or it may have started rusting from the inside if any moisure has made its way in there.
For example, the gas tank may not be original and might not have provision for a fuel return line! The stock 68 gas tank has a place for the fuel return line. Make sure it is properly connected at the gas tank before you connect it to the fuel pump. (i think i have some pics somewhere)
see, you need that thingamabobby on the side there to connect your return line.


DSCF0001.jpg?t=1245360500

Last edited by PRNDL; Jun 18, 2009 at 05:30 PM.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 06:03 PM
  #53  
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Originally Posted by 69Vett

The lines usually start to leak, and thats why they are not used any longer,
usually no one goes in and dissconnects a perfectly working system.
No but BUBBA does.....all teh time as WE all know!

That "thingamabobby" is for vapor return line that comes down the drivers side frame rail. It a one way valve that will close if the car ever rolled over on its roof and prevents the fuel from running out the charcoal canister. So at least I have been told and when I tested it when I have had them out, It appeared to be correct.
"DUB"
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 07:39 PM
  #54  
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Originally Posted by grandmastercorvette
No but BUBBA does.....all teh time as WE all know!

That "thingamabobby" is for vapor return line that comes down the drivers side frame rail. It a one way valve that will close if the car ever rolled over on its roof and prevents the fuel from running out the charcoal canister. So at least I have been told and when I tested it when I have had them out, It appeared to be correct.
"DUB"
No on that tank that thingamabob is on the passenger side.
WE need more pics of more tanks.
The one I think your talking does has the nipple on the drivers side but has a black plastic fuel separator bolted to the side.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 08:10 PM
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Default Best Carb for a 350

The car came with pretty new Eldelbrock 600 carb and I was wondering if this the best fuel economy carb for this 350. Seems to get poor gas mileage. Just had it adjusted by certified mech so it would pass inspection. Too much CO2. I've a quardrajet is good on fuel. What do you all think? Not so worried about burning rubber. Want to save $$$ so I can drive it around.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 08:11 PM
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Default Best Carb for a 350

The car came with pretty new Eldelbrock 600 carb and I was wondering if this the best fuel economy carb for this 350. Seems to get poor gas mileage. Just had it adjusted by certified mech so it would pass inspection. Too much CO2. I've a quardrajet is good on fuel. What do you all think? Not so worried about burning rubber. Want to save $$$ so I can drive it around.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #57  
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Originally Posted by manofsteel1
Want to save $$$ so I can drive it around.
If you can't afford the cost of gas now what are you going to do when it goes back up?
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 08:56 PM
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Default Fuel lines blocked

Grandmastercorvette, Mr. Dub. Hose that I am using (SAE 30R7KX) rated gasoline, are at the tank connections (factory) @ new Bosch electric fuel pump (69404) rated @ 6.9 PSI 25 gal flow, on frame next to gas tank. @ factory fuel filter location, @ steel line from carb, to original 1980 steel line from carb to original 1980 steel line which went from manual fuel pump to carb, from original steel line on frame of 82 vette. The only extra hose is @ the new fuel pump location. Removed original 82 sending unit from tank & installed 80 unit. I do not have any drilling on late model block for manual pump.I have no problem with vapor lock. My Question Is ( do I need the return line Tee'ed into the main line for any reason? or can I leave it capped? ) Thank-you for worrying about me, I Appreciate Gene
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 09:00 PM
  #59  
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ok, this is going to require some 3D imagination, but the picture I posted above is of a 1968 corvette gas tank. The nipple is for a fuel return line (not vapor) and I believe it has no valve. The gas just pours into that little nipple. After the tank is properly installed it is in fact on the passenger side. That fuel filler hole you see is the top of the tank but it is installed towards the front of the car. That's why the fuel filler is in the middle of the corvette rear deck.
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Old Jun 18, 2009 | 09:18 PM
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with you PRNDL. If you remove the fuel cap and look into the tank with the engine idling, you can see the surface of the fuel is agitated somewhat by the returning fuel. I did this on my '69 back when it was new and was curious why the fuel looked disturbed until I figured out the return line coming from the filter, as shown by 68rdstr in post #34, was dumping fuel back into the tank.
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