rough running and stalling

[nvsteve]

Noticed today the wagon started to cut out under throttle and felt like it was going to quit running.  Got home and put it in the garage for awhile.

When I went out to start it,  it fired then died and would not start again.  pulled the fuel hose off the filter and it turned it over and it started right up. 

I remembered that when I first bought it, I was having a similar problem and someone on here suggested disconnecting the fuel return line at the filter and blowing it out with compressed air,  with the gas cap removed.

Did that again and wala she's running good as new.   Is there a permanent fix for this?

[IowaEagle]

IIRC there is a device in that line that goes bad.  I forget what did, maybe a one-way valve of some kind.  I will need to research that again.

[xtcinoz]

There is a check valve in the return fuel line. Mine was in the return line that runs from the filter down to a fitting by the fender. I replaced that line and discovered the check valve, it was INSIDE the hose by the lower fitting, about the size of a empty 22 shell casing. Truth is I found it by accident and had no idea what it was so...I dropped in my pocket (tg) installed my new hose and merrily headed for town 30 miles away. About the time I got there the engine was missing shuddering and died. Hard to start and when it did it didn't run long. A mechanic friend came to my rescue, checked everything and never did figure it out. I ended up copsing it home. 4 hours later I got home found the check valve and installed it. The car ran great!
I'm stupid for not putting it back in the line, but I'm glad I kept it because when i try-ed to get a new one, nobody had ever seen anything like that! I wondered if it was just on my 83 sport?
Oh if you drive for a while and there isn't pressure when you open the gas tank, you probably need a check valve on your return gas line, and don't put it in backwards.

[vangremlin]

Yes, now that you mention it I remember that check valve also!

[Jurjen]

I will try to locate that valve too.

The fuel line in my Eagle drains down in about three days.
When I use a two-way fuel filter (so no return line) it will keep pressure, but so much that it starts overflowing the carburettor.

I guess this valve is acting a bit like the pressure regulator valve in a fuel injected system, keeping a constant pressure on the carburettor and return excess fuel to the tank?

[mudkicker715]

I have never seen or used one in any amc I replaced fuel lines for. Going on 2 complete lines now. All my amcs have always started fine. The carrbs were also in tiptop shape.

[xtcinoz]

In my case I think the carb was starving for fuel. Probably maintains a low pressure in fuel line. Just a guess.

To Mudkicker: did you use smaller line?

[mudkicker715]

3/8 no return.

[xtcinoz]

I bow to a more intelligent and possibly better looking man than I.

[mudkicker715]

Haha

[Jurjen]

Mudkicker,what do you mean by "3/8 no return"?
That you have no return line?

I have checked my fuel return line under the hood, there is no valve in there what so ever.

[mudkicker715]

Mudkicker,what do you mean by "3/8 no return"?
That you have no return line?

I have checked my fuel return line under the hood, there is no valve in there what so ever.

Only a fuel feed line. I hate getting rust and other dirt in my eyes so I get lazy.

[maximus7001]

There is a check valve in the return fuel line. Mine was in the return line that runs from the filter down to a fitting by the fender. I replaced that line and discovered the check valve, it was INSIDE the hose by the lower fitting, about the size of a empty 22 shell casing. Truth is I found it by accident and had no idea what it was so...I dropped in my pocket (tg) installed my new hose and merrily headed for town 30 miles away. About the time I got there the engine was missing shuddering and died. Hard to start and when it did it didn't run long. A mechanic friend came to my rescue, checked everything and never did figure it out. I ended up copsing it home. 4 hours later I got home found the check valve and installed it. The car ran great!
I'm stupid for not putting it back in the line, but I'm glad I kept it because when i try-ed to get a new one, nobody had ever seen anything like that! I wondered if it was just on my 83 sport?
Oh if you drive for a while and there isn't pressure when you open the gas tank, you probably need a check valve on your return gas line, and don't put it in backwards.

Both my 81 Concord and 85 Eagle have this check valve inside the return line. Over 11 years ago I discovered it when changing the fuel hoses in the Concord. When the car is running you can feel a pulse coming from it if you grab that portion of hose. This is a one way valve and has to go back in the new line the same direction it came out of the old hose.

I would guess that many an Eagle and Concord/Spirit went to the junkyard because of this valve not being known about when the fuel hoses were changed and the real problem never got found.