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Injector return line routing

16K views 19 replies 8 participants last post by  smackzed  
#1 ·
So I've got an 83 c30 with the 6.2l. I was changing glow plugs yesterday and noticed that the injector return lines go from injector to injector until it gets to the very back 2 injectors. On these it has the one hose from the injector in front of it on one side, and the other side has a small section of hose and then a bolt plugging it... I could see fuel leaking around the bolt so I'm just wondering where they're actually supposed to route to? Any help is greatly appreciated :D
 
#2 ·
There should be a plug right on the last nipple of the rearmost injector on each side. I'm not sure if you can buy just the plugs but you can find kits online that come with new lines, copper washers (for when replacing injectors), and the two plugs.
 
#3 ·
Are the front injector return lines connected to the metal return that runs along the intake towards the back?
 
#4 ·
Yes they are, I know cause I had one pop off at full throttle one day (none of them have hose clamps) I bought a dorman kit that has all new lines and clamps but so far have only changed the one that popped off so I didn't notice until yesterday. I don't believe the kit I bought came with caps but if they are just supposed to be capped off I can probably just put a clamp around the bolt for now, just wasn't sure if they were supposed to attach to another metal line somewhere or what. Thanks!
 
#7 ·
Either way DOn't buy the Dorman return lines clamp kit. Theyre junk. I saw it on the shelf at my local store for like $8 bought it and was thoroughly disappointed. Alot of them cracked during install. The "watts" ones I bought were excellent just like a factory type squeeze clamp. They make plumbing supplies and such.
 
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#11 ·
You can get fuel vapor line that works good as return lines. Ive got a couple years on mine with no issues. As well for the rear plugs you can go to a diesel injection shop and get the plugs.
 
#12 · (Edited)
You should be able to find vac line of the right size fairly easy. Someone put me straight if I'm wrong but since most vac lines pull crankcase vapour the rubber is usually rated for fuel. I've had mine just friction fitted with no clamps for 6 mos now. Last truck had friction fit lines for a couple years

I also have a few random end caps that are a bolt in a longer length of line with a clamp or even just tied with wire. They need to be a bit longer just for clearance from the injector
 
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#15 ·
I'll second what Diaric said, vacuum line is not rated for fuel until you get to the the larger sizes that have the braided nylon layer in the hose, these are actually known as fuel & emissions hose, though this style is too thick to fit on the injectors. It is possible to find fuel hose that is thin and doesn't have the nylon layer, technically not legal for automotive use for emissions reasons (at least not here in ca), but it can be found at most places that deal in small engines, lawn mowers, dirt bikes, etc.

Luckily my diesel is old enough to be smog-exempt in this state :thumb:
 
#13 · (Edited)
I just bought this...
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=281585255949&alt=web

This is a return line kit for any 6.2 or 6.5L turbo or non turbo GM diesel engine. This kit includes more than enough line to do the full job with 8" of line per injector rather than the 3" that the competition offers having only enough to barely do half the job. Thats 266% more line! This kit includes 64 inches of line and 2 caps for the end injectors. Neither of these items require those troublesome clamps put on by the factory because they are made out of a special material that seals onto the injector. This is not the cheap chineese stuff that I see listed on here for a similar price and can be identified by the yellow stripe on the side of the line, this comes directly from Germany. If you put the cheap stuff on it will become brittle and crack in only a few months. I am able to offer this at a low price because of low overhead and factory direct ordering, not cheap material cost. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
If you have any problems with this line in the first year due to manufacturers error I will send you another kit or refund your money if you prefer that! I fully stand behind my products and wouldn't waste my time and reputation if it were junk.
 
#14 · (Edited)
That looks like the kit I got, made in Germany, so far so good, no issues. The lines hold on the nipples very well, IIRC, the hose is barbed. The only thing I used some old clips on was the caps, I never trust them on their own.

You should be able to find vac line of the right size fairly easy. Someone put me straight if I'm wrong but since most vac lines pull crankcase vapour the rubber is usually rated for fuel.
No, vac line isn't generally rated for fuel, they get soft and rot out, don't ask how I know, I think a fire was involved.
However, some brands seem to do OK, different rubber.
 
#18 · (Edited)
I found the washer hose stuff on the shelf at the parts store in the hose display, I looked it up the last time it was discussed and it was listed by NAPA
 
#19 ·
I didn't look Too hard. Was at my closest store and asked the counter guy. We stood in front of the heater and fuel hose in the back. He said well this is all we really got... ahh okay :nope:
 
#20 ·
thanks for the clarification Diaric and 6string