To Return or Not Return

[Golf]

So I haven't had time to get around to installing the new fuel pump I purchased. My only concern is PO has a 2 fuel pump and I purchased a 3 that includes a return. The return line is there, but plugged with a bolt. Should I first attempt to install the pump I have, hook up return correctly and see what happens or understand obviously the return line was probably plugged for a reason. My curiosity wonders if the return line was plugged from laziness or necessity. What could be the reason for plugging the return?

[Dead Parrot]

There is a fairly recent thread where someone tried installing a 'proper' 3 line pump in place of the existing 2 line pump. Things didn't go well.

Who knows why the PO installed the 2 line pump.
Possibilities include but not limited to:
Was sold the wrong pump.
Specified the wrong pump.
Return line rusted out and leaking.
Replaced 6 port dual tank valve with 3 port valve.
Went on a replace ALL evil emissions stuff bender.
Put wrong replacement sender in tank(s).

If it is working fine now, don't change anything until you have time/ inclination to figure out why that line is plugged. In the mentioned thread, when the OP switched back to a two line pump, it started working fine.

[Golf]

It's definitely not working fine now, we got it to run off a bottle of gas until the bottle was empty but couldn't repeat that after blowing out the lines, which is why the $17 replacement pump is a first step before dropping the tank since everything looked clean coming out. We haven't got it to run from gas in the tank yet though. When I removed the existing pump I discovered the guy has cut the metal hose to the carb and installed some rubber connecting both pieces, I assumed because the fitting was different on the returnless pump vs factory pump. I also wasn't able to lift up the pump rod, even after turning the motor a little bit at the crank. I didn't want to hook up jumper cables and bump the starter with all that fuel vapor after removing the pump. Then it got dark :/ One thing I did notice, when looking for the bolts that are supposed to be at the rod - I think from the previous model year motor mounts - I didn't see any bolts there....... and the existing pump is covered in oil. When we got the motor to run off the bottle it sounded fine, it cranks fine... but knowing absolutely no history on the vehicle other than it's been at our tow lot for 6 months makes it harder. The only money I've put in it so far is $16 for an ignition lock cylinder so I'm willing to spend a little to get it running but I'm trying to keep this as cheap as possible. I'm willing to go electric pump but would rather stay mechanical.

[mongocanfly]

might need to pull the push rod out and check it...it should move freely. .

[Golf]

I couldn't get the push rod to move at all

[mongocanfly]

sounds like you just found the problem...

[Golf]

Does the 305 have a mounting plate for the pump I need to remove?

[mongocanfly]

as far as I know there should be a backing plate...http://www.classiccarauto.com/impala...uel_pump.shtml

[cadillac_al]

for the OP, I usually run whatever it came with. I have a couple vehicles with no return and most have a return. they all work the same. The PO may have plugged it for no special reason because he happened to have a 2 line pump laying around. I would blow some air through it and if the line is clear I would get a pump that uses it.

[Golf]

New pump in, truck runs fine