Would a TBI motor run if the feed and return lines were crossed? You can't force the fuel in through the return line can you?
There is a lot of hack repairs on mine and the fuel lines that come from the tank are rubber hoses from an auto parts store, not the factory hose anymore. The previous owner tried to fix the sending unit and proudly told me how he replaced the fuel lines in the process. They are routed terrible and hang down all over. Held on with twisted pcs of copper wire instead of clamps and twisted around each other and everything else. I got under the car today and hung them a little better.
It just got me to wondering if this could happen and if it is why I cant get it to run smooth?

 

The fuel line/pump assembly will only be able to push fuel in one direction and through one line. THe pump is only hooked up to the feed line and not the return line. So unless he really messed stuff up in the sending unit and changed how the pump is mounted etc, Then no it cant be done.

 

I don't know about that, you can shove fuel into either line into the TB. I'm not sure if it would have enough pressure to run, but my gut says that it might. The way the regulator is made it might actually work.

The small line out of the TB is your return. With the car running try pinching this line and see if your fuel pattern gets stronger. If it drops off then you know it's backwards.

You need to get some steel lines on the car though, too many bad expierences with short pieces of rubber line to use it front to back.

 

Yeah, The more I think about it they are probably crossed. For one thing both hoses coming from the tank are the same diameter. I can read the numbers on the hoses too, so I know for sure they are the same. I am gonna try pinching them like you suggested and see what happens.

Can I use the same steel line for brakes as fuel line? You just do a single flare on the end for fuel fittings correct?

 

Yes, however you need to do a double flare. Otherwise it can/will split at the seam. Note that the ends that go into the TBI unit and fuel filter are Saginaw type fittings. Note sure if those can be made as easily as a flared fitting.

RBob.