420A 1995 fuel return line

[shelbygoat57]

1995 420A automatic, stock with no modifications planned. I am cleaning out the fuel line up the engine bay as it is clogged with old fuel. I am assuming the return line is the same way.

My question is can i cap off the return line coming off the fuel rail and cap off the fuel input going into the fuel pump and run without an issue? My instinct says no. As my next step is to just get new hard line and run a new one to replace the factory return line.

Thank you.

 

[97egl]

No

 

[shelbygoat57]

No

Thank you.

 

[pauleyman]

I've seen cars sit many many years without issues. Why do you think your lines are clogged?

 

[shelbygoat57]

I've seen cars sit many many years without issues. Why do you think your lines are clogged?

I believe it sat for 10+ years. The fuel tank was half fuel of sludge, the pump literally rusted apart. I put on a new fuel tank, pump, soft lines, and still smelly fuel came out. Put a new fuel filter on and it turned brown inside. Engine would just crank over, so I believe the injectors were clogged or was not getting enough fuel pressure. I got new injectors as well.

Currently have the top part of the intake manifold off, fuel rail, and filter out to make sure i am getting clean gas to the engine bay. Going to run new hard line back to the tank instead of attempting to clean the existing line.

 

[BLACK'98DSM]

Clean, flush, and replace as many components as possible before you start removing parts that affect the functionality of the car & engine. Sometimes having fresh fuel flowing through the system is all you need to get it going again. In the case of severe corrosion or blockage, replace what is replaceable and thoroughly clean/flush the rest. The fuel system is designed to only function as it was from the factory assembly. If you go changing too much, or especially removing components, it's trouble in the making. I really don't get what you mean by capping off the fuel feed to the fuel pump, since none of the fuel system would be functional at that point. That's more of a recommendation not to do it than a questioning of thought, but definitely don't do that either way.