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Author Topic: How do I delete the fuel return lines?  (Read 17660 times)

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Offline 85AmCfreak

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How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« on: October 21, 2011, 07:11:52 PM »
The return lines on the Sx-4 are leaking terribly. I would really rather just remove them all together than run new line. I know I can't just block them up because it will cause an air lock and lead to other problems (filling the tank and regular flow become a problem) Any suggestions ??
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Offline thereverendbill

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2011, 07:17:39 PM »
i just used a inline filter and crimped the return line shut near the tank ..... over 3k miles and runs great
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Offline mudkicker715

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2011, 08:48:24 PM »
2eagles of mine have no return. This has been years.



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Offline GRONK

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 08:49:12 PM »
Ditto.  I delete the return line all the time on Jeeps.  Just crimp off the return line and get an inline filter.  Done.
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Offline 85AmCfreak

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #4 on: October 23, 2011, 07:38:56 PM »
if what you guys are telling me is true then i have another problem brewing.......it seems there is some sort of blockage in the line or tank then. I already have a clear glass inline filter before the fuel pump. When i watch the fuel flow it goes sort of slow like something is blocking it. Another problem is when I try to fill up the pump stops and spits out fuel at about 1/2 to 3/4 a tank. If I let it settle in the tank I can fill it up....... why is this happening?
I Don't know why. But everybody's always talking about their STI or That guys EVO, I think I'll stick with my old, but reliable AmC. Did I ever tell you I was Full blooded Eagle?

Offline GRONK

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2011, 08:00:42 PM »
Filler vent tube?

Bad sending unit?
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Offline carnuck

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #6 on: October 24, 2011, 10:26:10 AM »
Charcoal canister clogged on the bottom?
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Offline BenM

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #7 on: October 24, 2011, 11:12:03 AM »
There are two lines on the driver's side, a vent and a return line. The filler tube in the tank is not vented, but should have the restrictor in it for unleaded which does help vent when you're filling.

If the vent and return lines are that bad, you may have to replace some line anyway. I don't know the plumbing on the small Eagles, but on the big Eagles you have to drop the tank to really inspect the vent line.
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Offline 85AmCfreak

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #8 on: October 24, 2011, 11:29:58 PM »
Charcoal canister clogged on the bottom?

No emissions on this vehicle as per P/O

Filler vent tube?

There are two lines on the driver's side, a vent and a return line. The filler tube in the tank is not vented, but should have the restrictor in it for unleaded which does help vent when you're filling.

If the vent and return lines are that bad, you may have to replace some line anyway. I don't know the plumbing on the small Eagles, but on the big Eagles you have to drop the tank to really inspect the vent line.

Thanks guys I was thinking it was the vent but I wasn't sure. I am doing the main fuel line this week. I really didn't want to drop the tank but ahh what else is new. Anybody know of a good source for gas tank straps?
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Offline BenM

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #9 on: October 25, 2011, 10:53:15 AM »
I also want to add that I've replaced return lines when they go bad. The Pacer ran very rich at idle until I put the proper filter and return line in. Depending on the condition of your carburetor YMMV.
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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #10 on: October 25, 2011, 11:35:01 AM »
If the charcoal canister is gone, there is noplace for the fuel vapors in the tank to go, so the lines will get forced off by the built up pressure in the tank.
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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #11 on: October 25, 2011, 12:28:17 PM »
What do you guys mean by placing an inline filter and plugging the lines?

Offline carguy87

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #12 on: October 25, 2011, 08:24:31 PM »
You follow the return line that comes from that upper nipple on the back side of the ruel filter to the metal line against the driver's strut tower, continues alongside the drivers side body rail, then crosses over by the rear axle, then you simply cut and crimp it close to the sending unit. You can leave 2-4" won't hurt anything.  Then you take out that old stock fuel filter with the dual outlets and insert a standard fuel filter with one inlet and one outlet.  Clear ones are handy so you can tell when they are plugging up or the fuel pump is slacking.

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #13 on: October 26, 2011, 03:38:19 AM »
You follow the return line that comes from that upper nipple on the back side of the ruel filter to the metal line against the driver's strut tower, continues alongside the drivers side body rail, then crosses over by the rear axle, then you simply cut and crimp it close to the sending unit. You can leave 2-4" won't hurt anything.  Then you take out that old stock fuel filter with the dual outlets and insert a standard fuel filter with one inlet and one outlet.  Clear ones are handy so you can tell when they are plugging up or the fuel pump is slacking.

You never want a plastic filter after the pump. They cannot handle pressure. Especially where an eagle has a filter right above an exaust manifold.



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Offline BenM

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #14 on: October 26, 2011, 10:35:11 AM »
You never want a plastic filter after the pump. They cannot handle pressure. Especially where an eagle has a filter right above an exaust manifold.

They make a metal filter just like the return one we have, but without the return nipple. Run that in place of the stock one. (I still vote return line.)

If you're really into a big filter, I'd mount one of the big canister filters from a Cherokee or similar down on the inner fender by the pump, they're meant to be pressurized by the in-tank pump and are probably better then anything we're using. I don't trust plastic or glass filters.
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Offline GRONK

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #15 on: October 26, 2011, 10:39:50 AM »
There are glass filters too that I have used in the past.  Never had any issues:

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Offline carnuck

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #16 on: October 26, 2011, 10:53:34 AM »
I use a Ford Taurus filter
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Offline jim

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #17 on: October 26, 2011, 01:35:13 PM »
There are glass filters too that I have used in the past.  Never had any issues:


Gronk, do you have any details about how to find that glass filter?
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Offline GRONK

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2011, 01:41:16 PM »
I have always purchased mine off the shelf at local stores (Checkers/Autozone/etc)
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Offline carguy87

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #19 on: October 26, 2011, 04:13:12 PM »
Autozone is where I got mine. They come in several sizes, from 1/8" to3/8" too. Work great, never had one leak, and most models are designed up to 12psi. or 15psi.

Offline 85AmCfreak

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I Don't know why. But everybody's always talking about their STI or That guys EVO, I think I'll stick with my old, but reliable AmC. Did I ever tell you I was Full blooded Eagle?

Offline AMCKen

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #21 on: November 14, 2011, 06:39:17 PM »
When I used a single outlet filter in my Spirit, the high-volume pump overwhelmed the float in the carb and it would flood until I put a proper 2-outlet filter in.
The last 4 gallons or so seem to take longer due to the design of the filler and tank. Seems the engineers had to encourage us to leave the top of the tank empty to prevent overflows when the tank is really full. IIRC the rear plate bracket is held on with 2 screws. Take those off and pull on the filler set-up. You'll get a long tube that fits into the tank. The outlet in the tank is not just at the tank wall but further down with a small vent hole part way back to the wall.  I've cut off the excess leaving enough to make sure it gets all the way into the tank. Fill ups are way faster for the last of the gas but then you get less warning when the tank is near full. This may be on SX4s and Spirits only but I think the wagons are similar. Wish I had pictures at hand.
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Offline carnuck

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #22 on: November 15, 2011, 11:23:47 AM »
It's also to keep the tank from rupturing if you fill it when it's cold out and it gets hot during the day. Law says 80% fill for a reason!
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Offline AMCKen

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #23 on: November 19, 2011, 05:58:17 PM »
I expect it would flood the carb or pop a hose off before that happened. : )
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Offline carnuck

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #24 on: November 19, 2011, 10:04:28 PM »
I saw 2 do that in CO in '02. My own gas cap was spitting gas in the lot as it went from low 50s to near 100 during the day.
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Offline AMCKen

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #25 on: January 01, 2012, 04:44:58 PM »

The last 4 gallons or so seem to take longer due to the design of the filler and tank. Seems the engineers had to encourage us to leave the top of the tank empty to prevent overflows when the tank is really full. IIRC the rear plate bracket is held on with 2 screws. Take those off and pull on the filler set-up. You'll get a long tube that fits into the tank. The outlet in the tank is not just at the tank wall but further down with a small vent hole part way back to the wall.  I've cut off the excess leaving enough to make sure it gets all the way into the tank. Fill ups are way faster for the last of the gas but then you get less warning when the tank is near full. This may be on SX4s and Spirits only but I think the wagons are similar. Wish I had pictures at hand.

Here's a pic of what I cut off the filler neck.

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73-74-75-76GremlinXs,75PacerX,76Hornet2dsd,76-77Matadorcpes,
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2-79AMXs304/401,2-80AMXs258/401,80SpiritDL304, 80Eagle4dsdn,3-81SX4s,
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Offline Sunny

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #26 on: January 01, 2012, 05:45:31 PM »
There are glass filters too that I have used in the past.  Never had any issues:



I've actually had a few of those clear glass ones leak on me.
I don't think it was the design, so much as cheap quality filters though.
A performance shop here had a sale on them so I picked a few of them up.. I probably should have questioned they were 3 for the price of 1  ;D
I just liked the idea of being able to see what was going to my carb though.
I'd probably consider them again, if I found a higher quality one.

Offline mudkicker715

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #27 on: January 01, 2012, 05:54:48 PM »
There are glass filters too that I have used in the past.  Never had any issues:



I've actually had a few of those clear glass ones leak on me.
I don't think it was the design, so much as cheap quality filters though.
A performance shop here had a sale on them so I picked a few of them up.. I probably should have questioned they were 3 for the price of 1  ;D
I just liked the idea of being able to see what was going to my carb though.
I'd probably consider them again, if I found a higher quality one.


I never liked those things. Especially glass ones. Cut a normal one open when done.



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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #28 on: January 02, 2012, 12:05:04 PM »
Clear plastic one are what I use.
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Offline mudkicker715

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #29 on: January 02, 2012, 01:37:29 PM »
Clear plastic one are what I use.

i seen those swell.



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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #30 on: January 02, 2012, 10:04:58 PM »
Clear plastic one are what I use.

What I don't like about those, is they tend to haze pretty quickly, in the ones I've used.

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #31 on: January 03, 2012, 12:27:30 AM »
Must be something in the fuel then or the cheaper version. I use the NAPA gold in mine and except getting mud covered, it's still easy to see into a year or so later.
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Offline Sunny

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #32 on: January 03, 2012, 01:42:33 AM »
Must be something in the fuel then or the cheaper version. I use the NAPA gold in mine and except getting mud covered, it's still easy to see into a year or so later.

Cheaper version, almost for sure. I got a few of them from a buddy for free.

Offline GRONK

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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #33 on: January 03, 2012, 09:34:06 AM »
If you look at the $$$ on the glass filters yhe $$$ ranges form $4 to over $50.  I'm guessing there is a huge difference in quality between them.

I would say the same with plastic filters too.
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Re: How do I delete the fuel return lines?
« Reply #34 on: January 03, 2012, 12:42:55 PM »
Must be something in the fuel then or the cheaper version. I use the NAPA gold in mine and except getting mud covered, it's still easy to see into a year or so later.

Cheaper version, almost for sure. I got a few of them from a buddy for free.

Probably not alcohol rated plastic then.
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