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I have an 83 f250 4x4 460. The fuel lines come up to that carb and there is supposed to be some sort of regulator that the return fuel line and fuel line connect to and then into the carb. My truck is missing this with just the fuel line going to the carb. What problems might I experience not having this, and where can I get one to put it back to normal?

Also where is the dang electric fuel pump for this truck?

ANy help will be appreciated

You probably have a mechanical fuel pump with the return line coming off IT, and no need for a regulator. Look on the side of the block. If there's NOTHING in the fuel line between the tank(s) & the carb, (other than maybe a filter) then your pump is in the tank and it's probably self-regulated.

This truck does not have a mechanical fuel pump. The fuel lines go directly from the carb over to the frame and head for the tanks. I am more concerned about the return line not being hooked to anything up by the engine.

Thanks for the info.

Is there a loose return line up there? The pumps might have built-in regulators that don't require an external return.

I would be curious to know why the factory had this system on 460's? The wiring diagrams I have show the fuel pumps in the tank with the related wiring. But it does not have anything about the fuel line routing. The other v8's with dual tanks do not have this pump in tank system that I am aware of, until fuel injection comes along in the later years.
My book shows that you should have a holley 4bbl. The carb has hose nipples mounted to each fuel bowel. You are not talking about these connections are you?

That canister by the carb in the fuel line is called the vapor seperator! This is called the "Hot Fuel Handling" system. It is designed to supply only cool fuel to the carb by returning fuel to the tank(s) By keeping the volume of fuel flowing thru the lines high, this keeps the temperature down. (does not allow the slow moving fuel in the line to be warmed up by heat created by the engine) Your truck has one fuel pump per tank. These pumps produce approx. 4.3 psi. The vapor seperator not only returnes fuel to the tank, it also reduces the pressure to the carb! Apparently the needle/seat assembly in your carb is good, otherwise this would cause carb flooding. I suggest obtaining one and installing it before your in tank pump quits or your truck becomes roadside barbeque! Try local parts stores or the ford dealership. Good luck!

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Dec-02 AT 10:27 AM (EST)]Do you have two tanks or one? I just did one of these trucks with two tanks and had to replace darn near the whole fuel system because of setting too long. My truck had a fuel pump in each tank hooked to the sending unit and they are available from the aftermarket.The sending unit in the side tank was junk and I had to get that from Parts International in Dallas, Texas. Great folks to deal with, they handle out of stock genuine Ford parts, phone # 1-888-727-0418. It came with a fuel pump attached. From there the lines (2fuel and 2return) went to the switching valve which I replaced, and was available from Ford. From the switching valve foreward the lines (2 now,1 fuel and 1 return)travel up the frame to the engine and go up the side of the block where the mechanical fuel pump should be and are held in a bracket there. From there they route past the distributor to just in front of the carburetor where there is what appears to be a metal in-line fuel filter with a line coming off the side(one of the few things I didn't have to replace)that line off the side is the return. I don't know what is in that gizmo it could be a one way valve, filter, a restrictor or a combination. I would imagine it is available from Ford or maybe the aftermarket. While we're at it there is the electrical side of things.If you have two tanks there is the switch in the dash, there are two relays located between the master cylinder and the drivers side fender, one is the fuel pump relay and the other is the switching valve relay, there is a cutoff swich mounted under the oil sending unit that shuts off current when the oil pressure drops and there is the crash switch which is located under the heater on the inside of the cab on the firewall, also there are fusible links over by the starter solenoid. I know I gave you WAY more information than you asked for but just pick out what you need.
Meze

8 Lugs posted while I was typing this. I agree with him now that we know what that thing is. Makes sense too. If Ford dosen't stock it see if they can give you the part number because you will need it to order from a place like Parts Int.

Edelbrock gave a Ford part # for it with my carb...
E3TZ9N176B(with blue dot) has a .040 orifice, and, you are supposed to replace the stocker with for some reason or another... So, there must be different ones avalable...
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4 ex. Extended Cab: 8800LB GVWR 460/Edelbrock 1411
T19/BW 1345/3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25/Dana 50 TTB
265/75R16's on Whitespokes
78 F150, 351M/C6, eventually to have something done with it...

That all makes sense. It is called "Hot fuel handling" in my wiring diagram. I guess they figured a truck with a 460 crammed in there would generate excessive heat, especially since most people would buy one for towing or field service work(and commercial duties too).

Thanks for all the help. I did find the part through Ford, and have it on order. I also found the fuel pumps. Yep in the tank. Found everything before I checked back in this forum. I did make sure the fuel pumps are functioning, know it is time to put the fuel tanks back in. The next part is to check the relays for the fuel system, still not getting fuel to the carb. Electrical issue.

Folks, thanks for all your help resolving this issue. It is great to have a forum where you honestly get help.

Thanks is the golden word, not heard often enough! It was truly a pleasure helping you!!! Good luck!