1973 304 Fuel Return Line Or Not?

I don't remember my 73 (Made in mid year 72) 304 ever having a fuel filter with a return line. It was always line in and line out. My new sending unit has a tube for one.
Im wondering if it is necessary to run a fuel filter that has a return line out and plumb a line to the back?


I never had a issue with the single line and a vented cap. But yet I wonder if I should make use of the return line port this sending unit has. Watchu all think?

 

Look in the TSM. It will be listed on the emissions chart. I do not have a '73 TSM, but I have looked for it in the '74 TSM and it's not there. It is present in '75.

I expect the aftermarket parts makers add the return nipple, and list the same part for applications without a return. Just plug the return nipple.

You can add the return line if you want. It would be 1/4" steel line if present, paralleling the 5/16" steel fuel feed. Use the proper fuel filter and connect it. My '75 304 has it.

 

I'll probably cap the extra line on the sending unit or use it as a vent with a short section of hose.

 

Just a comment - that extra nipple is inaccessible. I'd caution against the rubber caps that Dorman sells in a blister pack. In my experience, they are made of the special Omix-Ada grade rubber and they fall apart after a year or so. I would use a short piece of high-quality hose (EFI hose?) and a couple of clamps, plus something cylinder-shaped to close the hose. Not as tidy, but likely to last for a decade or two.

Note that the regular fuel hose sold at your local McParts store seems to use this same quality rubber, and falls apart readily. I suggest Gates hose; even the standard grade of Gates is ok. They have up-graded hose available as "Barricade" which you can buy at RockAuto or maybe your local truck or marine parts place.

 

I just put a fuel line on it and ran it out to the frame with a little filter on the end of it.

 

As I mentioned elsewhere, my sender also had the return nipple. I just capped it with those accursed rubber caps. But, to my advantage, there's a large access panel in the rear cargo bed of my Jeep, so the top of the fuel tank is four tiny screws away. Maybe the only good thing to come of being a fleet vehicle!