Fuel line pinhole

[VARam1500]

I'm still trying to get a dead car running.

A pinhole leak sprung up in the fuel line that connects to the plastic return line in the engine compartment. I know the fuel tank is rusty. I'm thinking if the return line is plugged, the pressure in the system is higher than it should be and promoted the leak.

So here's the question. Should I be able to unhook that return line and blow air back into the tank? I tried that and I can't blow back into the tank. So, does that tell me I've got a problem or is that simply non-conclusive?

My system is like the diagram here

Thanks!
--Case...

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I haven't tried to blow air back through the fuel return line, but the way the lines are set up, you should be able to get air through...

What does your fuel pressure read?

--DD

[VARam1500]

I haven't measured the pressure. I don't have a gauge. I'll see about borrowing one.

The first pinhole didn't worry me too much. I mean, the car is 27 years old and has the fabric lines in it. So I replaced the fabric line that popped with a new piece of fuel line. It was squirting fuel out the end of the hose where it plugs into the plastic one; ie. where it is clamped together. That's what got me wondering about the return line being possibly blocked.

The injectors in this car are dead and I've got some new ones on the way. I was hoping that I could hear it run a little bit and gauge the car's potential before I pulled and cleaned out the fuel tank.

So if I get the new injectors in, have no leaks, and measure the pressure as good, do I forget all about the return line theory? Come to think about it more, I didn't take the cap off the tank when I tried to blow the line. I'll try that. I agree with you that from a schematic drawing, it looks like you should be able to do it. Maybe that cap was my problem.