Fuel Tank - Return Line

[cjreents]

I'm in the midst of the M20 conversion and just realized that I don't have the "protruding hard line" on the fuel tank for the fuel return. Can I simply drill a hole in the tank then weld a hard fuel line with a 90 degree bend onto the tank?

I've been searching the forum for pics of tanks but have had little luck. If anyone has another suggestion, please let me know.

You can see the difference of the tanks on realoem:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=2552&mospid=47140&btnr=16_0382&hg=16&fg=05

Attached is a pic of my tank (poor quality, taken with phone). But as you can, see there is no return pipe on the tank next to the pump...

[Sett]

I am in the process of converting my 02 to fuel injection and I got an intank fuel pump from a 318i or 325i, can't remember, but it has a return fuel pipe built in to the top flange. I have read on other post that it will fit the 02 tank. I would not weld on the fuel tank, it can be very dangerous even after washing the tank out. I've heard of it being done if you have an inert gas fill the tank like argon or CO2, but it's still risky.

[cjreents]

Thanks for the reply. The pump that you see installed in my tank is from a 90 325i and there is no return pipe. I actually have two and don't see a return inlet on either.

[bluedevils]

You need a in tank pump/return/float from a 318is (1990-1991 E30 318is w/M42 engine, not the 318i model w/M10 engine). It comes with two pipes, one for fuel delivery one for return. Alternatively, you can have an extra pipe soldered (not welded) on the top of the pump in the picture, it should have a spot for the returned pipe but it is blocked off (soldered closed) at the VDO factory. Late model 318is pumps are identical to what you have but have the extra return pipe. Of course you can always weld a return pipe on the tank as a last effort.

[cjreents]

Excellent! Thanks for the info. I do see the extra inlet for the pipe that was blocked off but actually runs all the way down to the filter. Realoem also has some pics of the pump with the extra inlet even for the 325i.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1113&mospid=47309&btnr=16_0046&hg=16&fg=05

Thanks again!

Chris

[cjreents]

Updated info:

E30 318is (must be an "is" w/ M42 engine) - Cost $250:

Looks to me like an E30 325e will work as well - Cost $150:

[BLUNT]

Updated info:

E30 318is (must be an "is" w/ M42 engine) - Cost $250:

Looks to me like an E30 325e will work as well - Cost $150:

e30 325 e pump is low pressure. youll need an aux pump in line

[zane]

Or you could use this in your fuel filler neck:

[boxy02]

Or you could use this in your fuel filler neck:

Zane, where did you find this?

Mike

[jimk]

Just a tidbit of info here. Take a look at where the return line runs on the pump pictures. It goes to the bottom of the tank. If a return nipple is added to a tank, it should be a line that goes to the bottom inside the tank also. The Tii pick-up assembly is the same I believe with the return tube going to below the fuel level.

Reason is the falling fuel in the tank will cause a static charge and has the potential for ignition, maybe not in the tank but when you are about to fill the tank and take the cap off. A spark on the outside can blow the whole thing apart, and you too. Anyone around gas stations or around fuel storage tanks knows about the fill pipe.

[cjreents]

Zane - I see that you got this from summit racing, but can you paste the link to the actual product?

Blunt - Thanks for the info on the 325e pump.

[cjreents]

Found the link:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1∂=MOR%2D65385&N=700+115&autoview=sku

for the following:

[oz_tom]

the 323i sender/pump has the return on it too. Im only going to use it as a lifter pump though, feeding a surge tank.