Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Fuel return line

[AWallace]

Does any one know what issue the information was in about replacement of the fuel return line. I changed mine at about 30,000 but forgot if I had to get the air out of the lines. The truck now has 70,000 on it an am wondering if I need to change them again.



95 2500 stock

 

[Joe G.]

If you replaced the return AND the supply hoses with diesel rated hose you are ok. If they were not diesel rated you will have to replace them again. The fuel hose you buy in most parts houses is NOT diesel rated in spite of what the kid behind the counter says.

 

[AWallace]

fuel hose

I think I used sae 30 r6kx the last time. The hose seems to be dry and the truck cranks easy most of the time I just touch the starter. Do you have any trouble with smoke using the #5 tst plate. I talk to one shop that said they had changed them but I would get some smoke. They said they could recalabrate the pump and set the time I would get all the power I would need. Cost 500. 00 I don't know about that.

 

[Joe G.]

If the hoses are leaking air the hose will look ok. You can't see an air leak. The hose deteriorates from the inside and usually leaks air from the end. You can get an excellent fuel hose replacement kit from LarryB at http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm



I seriously doubt that recalibrating the pump will give you nearly as much power as a #5 plate. It's a lot less money for the part and it's a pretty simple do it yourself job to install a plate.



If you have an automatic transmission that is stock it's not recommended that you use a #5. TST says a #6 is ok in that case. My trans is not stock.

 

[AWallace]

Fuel Line

Thanks for the Information. I orded the Soleniod Saver from Larry B's recently but did not think about the Hose.

 

[Howard Durand]

What is another good source for diesel rated hose. I just discovered the error I made about 35,000 miles ago. At that time I replaced both hoses with Gates "Fuel Rated" hose from the local auto parts store. The return line is now leaking like a sieve. It looks worse than the original that I replaced at 85,000. Haven't removed the feed line yet.

I really don't want to wait to order hoses from Larry.

 

[EKlem]

A lot of people have good luck with getting marine grade diesel rated hose. It can be ordered from west marine or many other places like that. I have marine hose and it works quite well.

 

[Howard Durand]

I just ordered a set from Larry B. I doubt if I could find anything that would equal it anywhere around here. The price aint bad and I don't have to drive anywhere to get them.

I don't know what kind of hose clamps he sends with the kit. When I replaced the hoses the first time, I used the ones that were on the original hoses. They are the type that do not cut into the hose. I have since then bought the same type in a few different sizes. They are fairly expensive but nice to use where you want to minimize damage to the hoses from poor quality clamps.

 

[Joe G.]

Howard,



The hoses are thick walled so you don't need to worry about clamp damage. The clamps Larry has in the kit are normal gear drive clamps. Mine didn't damage the hose when I installed them.

 

[Howard Durand]

The clamps I have are gear drive except the screw doesn't extend through the band of the clamp and the edges of the band are rolled to prevent cutting into the hose.

It may be overkill but that is one of my hangups.

I didn't even know that my hoses were bad until I was under the truck pumping the lift pump to restore prime. I noticed fuel running along the underside of the return hose. Wiped it off and pushed the pump button a few more times and saw fuel oozing out of the hose. They were replaced 35,000 miles ago. The original lines lasted for 80,000 miles.

The replacement lines I ordered from Larry B will be here today. Two feet of each size, marine grade, including shipping for about $28.

I can't drive anywhere around here and get them for that.

 

[wcjp]

I bought marine grade diesel line from a local boat supply place. LarryB didn't have a kit at the time. Now is a good time to replace the fuel preheater to lift pump soft line. This was the main cause of my problems.