The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Does the fuel return really need to be connected this one been this way for many years.

No opinion on or knowledge of this subject. Be interested to see answers from those in the know.

Just asking for clarification of the photo, but, does the fuel return line feed back into the fuel inlet line of the fuel filter? or is it just my eyes
Kiwi Kev

Kiwi Kev wondered where the fuel return pipe went in the photograph. Looks like it has been twisted around, kinked, to probably block it off and left dangling down near the back of the fuel filter. My eyesight isn't that good either.

Timee

Is it soldered to the fuel tank inlet line??? The line originally ran along the right side of the batterys and tapped into the fuel tank near the top. If it is the way I think, although not original to my knowledge, It will work fine and not hurt anything. Dandy Dave!

Dear Glenn

My first reply has gone "missing" in the system somewhere, so let's hope it doesn't appear twice.

My understanding of the purpose of the fuel return system is to return excess fuel from the injectors to the fuel system. Excess fuel is passed to each injector by the FIP to limit the amount of air and vapour that might be injected into the combustion chamber on injection. Limiting air and vapour on injection contributes to maximum combustion efficiency. The excess fuel also has the purpose of cooling and lubricating the precision parts of the injector.

So why hasn't it had an apparent effect on the tractor in the photograph, you ask? I would suggest that unless an engine is working at maximum power output most of the time and is now enjoying a relatively stress free life, one would not notice increased injector wear, or a reduction in performance. (Perhaps it doesn't start so well as it could, or doesn't produce the power it used to, although there are other reasons for this tail off in performance).

I always come back to Engineers' 4th Law in this instance, namely: "If a manufacturer could have got away without fitting that stupid, little lock washer, he would have left it off". The savings on production of 100,000 units would have been significant.

In this case, Fordson could have saved the cost of the machining of the head, internal pipework from injector to injector, the return fuel pipework and the additional hole and pipework in the fuel tank if they felt they could have done without the fuel return system.

Hope this stimulates some thoughts on the subject

Timeee

Each injector is connected [inside the rocker cover] in series by a leak-off pipe and fed to an outlet in the cylinder head. This outlet is connected to either the fuel filter feed pipe or the fuel tank. It is required because, whilst the fuel injector pump, primarily, only pressurises the injectors enough to cause the pintle needles to open and spray fuel into the combustion chamber, some of it can, and does, leak into the injector inner body. This unwanted fuel then builds up, generally under less pressure than the pump to injector circuit, and is able to return to the low pressure supply circuit. If this return system is blocked it can, in the long term, effect the proper opening and closing cycles of the injector.
Leaks inside the rocker cover can allow fuel to drip into the sump. If the outer pipe shown in the pic is blocked it would be well worth investigating the inside the rocker cover pipe for looseness.
Pavel

Having it connected helps cool the injectors and the fuel returns to the tank not spilling out hope this helps

Ash

Thanks for the thoughts. It helps me decide to fabricate a new line.

Of course if any one would really like to help I'll be in the shop.

Looks like it’s coming along nicely Glenn. I normally pick up a piece of steel brake line and make my own return line, I do believe Agriline has them as well.
Is it my imagination or do I see a genuine Ford/Forney welder in the corner?

Pat

Great job, Glenn.

What will you use her for when the rebuild is finished?

Best

Adrian

I agree, With all the work you are going through, you should connect it as factory correct. Dandy Dave!

Pat; The welder is a Forney did not see Ford on it. Picked it up on a farm sale few years back, paid 65 for it. I was thinking brake lines also.

Adrian; No special plans, well take it to some tractor gatherings. May do some pulling. And what ever I can fine for it to do around the place.

Any one ever notice how much grease you can find after you fill the gun with paint.

Glenn wrote: Any one ever notice how much grease you can find after you fill the gun with paint.

Yup. Specialy when you get under and start looking up. As a final cleaning, I usually wash them down with a mineral sprits based paint thinner before I lay any paint on them. Dandy Dave!