do I need it

[84K10Hillbilly]

I have an '84 K 10 that has been giving me some trouble. For some reason it does not want to get fuel to the carb. I have installed a new fuel pump and one of those glass fuel filters so you can see if fuel is coming past the pump. Every once in a while especially when you get on it a little it will act if it is simply running out of gas. I have been told that I have a hole in my fuel line from the tank. I have also been told that it is easier to replace the fuel line than to try to find a repair small holes. My truck has a one in and one out type fuel pump. I have no other emission equipment except cat. converters on it. From the tank I have two fuel lines. One goes to the fuel pump of course but what about the other one? I take it that it is for a vent or return line, but do I need it? Can I simply plug off this line? If so it will be much easier to install a new line.  

[xtreme80]

I can't answer your question, but I can give you a bit of advice possibly.  On some of the older carbbed trucks, the fuel can actually boil and vaporize in the lines before it hits the carb.  If it does this, it will act as if it's running out of gas.  The reason is may do this is if you have hot exhaust parts that run close to the fuel lines.  

The way to fix it is to add a fuel pump helper on the fuel line right by the tank on the line that feeds the fuel pump.  I found out my truck had this on it (installed by previous owner), and I had no idea.  It basically just helps keep the fuel flowing in the line.  

Give it a try, they are pretty cheap.

[84K10Hillbilly]

Can you get one of these at any local parts store? I am willing to try anything just about. My seven year old is disappointed because she can't ride in "her truck", and I hate having one around that you can't trust to put on the road.

[roundedline]

Do you know for a fact there is a hole in your fuel line?  If so, I wouldn't drive it until you get it fixed that could start a fire.

If the truck is running, you can't be running out of gas.  When you give it gas it tries to die?  That sounds like you have a vacuum leak.  Have you checked?

If you do have a hole in the supply line you can get a splice from just about any parts store.  I wouldn't remove the complete line.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[75ChevDrvr]

How long have you been having the problem?  Was it running okay before?  Did anything change?  If you did install a new/different exhaust I could see the fuel vaporizing in the line being a problem.  If nothing has changed, it would be more likely a hole in the fuel line problem (or just a weak pump).  Since the mechanical pumps put suction on the supply line a hole can be very hard to find.  I'd start simple and cheap by replacing all the rubber fuel line between the tank and pump.  If that doesn't work, try testing for flow by cranking the engine to pump fuel into a container.  If you're not getting flow, check for plugged lines/filters or a weak pump.  If you are getting good flow, start looking into engine issues.  I had the #8 exhaust cam lobe go almost round on me and that caused all kinds of funky symptoms that I thought were fuel/carb related.

[Fast68]

look for a restriction

the hose commmonly kinks at the fuel pump

look there, look near the tank too
the smaller hose is the return from the fuel pump

sounds like you have a non-return hose style pump on it

good luck