Fuel cell plumbing

[RangRayy]

I scored a 10 gallon fuel cell of CL for $25. It's perfect for my other project but will be used with my up coming restoration. I have dual tanks now on my '87 which I will not be utilizing anymore. There's still fuel in the working tank but since I have ditched the tbi and went to carb I will not be using the pumps in the tank and we will be mounting a rear tank while the bed is off.

Now I plan to use the cell I got by just putting it in the bed so I can drive over to the shop for disassembly. I noticed after the fact that it does not have a return line, only an output line and a vent tube. I bought an electric external fuel pump from Oreilys for $41 and some change and says it pulls at 3.5-7psi. Do I need a reurn line on the cell? If so how do I add one? Or if not needed how would you plumb that up?

Or
Can I just mount that pump somewhere inline before the selector valve and pull through the pumps in the tanks and use the existing lines with a regulator I have that has a return on it.

Or
Anyone good with wiring knowledge, since I cut all the wire harness for the tbi back to the firewall can I still use the fuel pumps? Is the computer needed to run the pumps? I know that they need the oil press switch in order to run.

I am at a loss with what to do is prefer to drive it over instead of towing it. Any and all forms of help or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[chevyk10]

In general if you've taken the TBI off just forget that wiring it would be too much trouble to fool with. If you have a low pressure electric pump you really still should have a return but if your not driving it far put a regulator on it so you don't send to much pressure to the carb an it should be fine. Problem is it's hard on your fuel pump without a return and likely to vapor lock. You can get a special fuel line to help with vapor lock. Short distance is not a big concern though. The fuel gets hotter with no return. Just some thoughts.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[RangRayy]

In general if you've taken the TBI off just forget that wiring it would be too much trouble to fool with. If you have a low pressure electric pump you really still should have a return but if your not driving it far put a regulator on it so you don't send to much pressure to the carb an it should be fine. Problem is it's hard on your fuel pump without a return and likely to vapor lock. You can get a special fuel line to help with vapor lock. Short distance is not a big concern though. The fuel gets hotter with no return. Just some thoughts.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good thoughts thank you sir. I searched for a fuel line to help with vapor lock with minimal results. All I found was to add a return to help. Which I have a Holley regulator with a return. I am just unsure on how to plumb that up since the cell only has 2 ports on it. Out and vent. Can I just hook the return into the vent outlet and rig up another form of ventilation? Through the cap or just drill a hole and add a vent?

 

[chevyk10]

Good thoughts thank you sir. I searched for a fuel line to help with vapor lock with minimal results. All I found was to add a return to help. Which I have a Holley regulator with a return. I am just unsure on how to plumb that up since the cell only has 2 ports on it. Out and vent. Can I just hook the return into the vent outlet and rig up another form of ventilation? Through the cap or just drill a hole and add a vent?

I would not use the vent line. If any thing just add an AN style fitting to the top of the tank and plum a return into it. Fast does have line that helps with vapor lock but I'm not sure it's advertised that way. Summit could help you.

 

[RangRayy]

Okay does that fitting need to be welded in or can I drill and tap it in? I'll contact them next week about the line.

 

[chevyk10]

No need to weld. They have one made for your problem.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[chevyk10]

It's called a bulkhead fitting


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[highdesertrange]

ah a true fuel cell has a bladder inside the sheet metal on the outside is only there to protect the bladder. highdesertranger

 

[chevyk10]

I should also say that you want the return line to go too the bottom of the tank.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[chevyk10]

ah a true fuel cell has a bladder inside the sheet metal on the outside is only there to protect the bladder. highdesertranger

Not always


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[highdesertrange]

then it's not a fuel cell, it's simply a fuel tank. highdesertranger