Fuel pump issue

[maldo]

I have a 72 blazer, when I bought it someone put an electric fuel pump, it went out so I replaced it with a mechanical pump. It has a return port and my blazer doesn't have a return line. So my question 🤔 can I just plug it or should I replace it with a pump with no return???. Thank you all in advance.

[RustyPile]

IIRC, all 1/2 ton 72s had a fuel return system.. Maybe some previous owner removed the system.. To answer the first part of your question -- No, you should not block the return at the pump. The correct solution is to install the missing parts of the system.. The return's main purpose is to prevent vapor lock...

[maldo]

Thank you so much, I know your right. Looks like I have a project.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by maldo

Thank you so much, I know your right. Looks like I have a project.

Compared to some other areas, it's not too bad.. My '71 was born with an I6 and 3 speed transmission.. Some PO decided to drag race the truck and installed a 454 BBC.. They installed an electric fuel pump and a block-off plate where the mechanical fuel pump mounted.. When I acquired the truck, it was plagued with vapor lock.. I had to fabricate the return system and change the fuel sender unit to a "2 port" design.. I estimated the length I needed and locally purchased a length of 1/4" bulk tubing.. I flared the tubing myself. Had to make the line in 3 sections. I started at the fuel pump and ran a 5 foot section along the frame and terminated it with a double flare and flare coupling. I fabricated a piece from the sending unit down through a hole in the floor, running roughly parallel to the fuel delivery line, and terminated it about 6 inches from the frame with a "bubble flare".. I then used a third piece to join the two sections, double flaring the section where it joined the line from the fuel pump and rubber fuel line to connect to the line from the sender.. Took me about 2 hours for the whole thing..

The Blazer has a different tank location and configuration, but the principle of the project is the same...

[maldo]

That sounds good, thanks for insight.