Return line replacment - tools needed?

[fields_mj]

Okay, please excuse me for all the posts, but I hope to get a few repairs made to the truck this Saturday. First priority is my return lines. From the looks of it, some of my return lines may still be originals. They look like they have grey paint on them. I'm getting air in the line when I start the truck, and it's getting progressively worse. When I got the truck 6 weeks ago, there was no problem. After about 2 weeks, I started to notice an occasional problem when starting first thing in the morning. Now it's every time I start the truck. Once the truck gets warmed up, things run great. I'm pretty sure that the IP and injectors are original too, so I will plan to change them out in the spring.

I hope to be able to make it to the IH dealership tomorrow on my way home and pick up a return line kit. Are there any special tools that I need in order to change things out? I'm not sure what all comes with the kit, but I noticed that one of the lines runs from the back pass side injector, under the air intake, and to a metal T that's mounted to the engine via a bracket. Is there a trick to snaking that line over to the T and getting it pushed back on there?

Also, I've got a tube of Loc Tite o-ring grease (silicone I think). Would it be okay to apply some of that to any of the hose barbs to make them easier to push on?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[LCAM-01XA]

All you will need is two 5/8" open end wrenches - you really need only one for 7 of the injectors, but the darn #1 (passenger-side front) had a timing adapter on it so you will need the second wrench to hold the adapter from spinning while you remove the pressure line nut first, only then will you be able to remove the adapter itself and get to the return line under it all. The o-ring grease I would only use on the o-rings, the hoses should be a very tight fit even without their spring clamps so do not lubricate them. The rear crossover hose you should be able to reach fairly easy, just remove the air filter and its box from the lower part of the intake.

 

[icanfixall]

A dental tool for picking the old o-rings from the injectors is a great tool to have. Keep everything clean is important too. I use brake clean spray. Roll the top o-ring into the top groove first. Then roll the lower o-ring over the top ring. This installation works bets. Yes. That grease sounds like it will work fine. Any grease... Even vasoline or KY gelly will work.

 

[redneckaggie]

its pretty self explanatory once you tear into it just remove the ip lines and the the old return lines and caps and there will be two o rings under the caps remove and replace then place the new lines on and clamp down and you should be good to go.

 

[fields_mj]

Thanks guys! Whew! So far I have everything mentioned I popped the hood last night and looked it over as best as I could. Didn't look too bad other than that back line. Taking the filter and box off will certainly help with that.

I think I'll pass on the KY. Wife might get really ticked if she catches me

Do the old caps just pull straight off?

Thanks again guys. This site is GREAT! I posted several questions last night for various small repairs, and I've gotten feedback on all of them. With out help from yall, I'd be up a creek on most of this stuff. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but limited on resources and experience (auto repair experience anyway). You're willingness to share your knowledge makes a world of difference for the rest of us!

 

[Agnem]

KY is water based. Can't say I'd really recommend it. You need a good petroleum based lube.

Or silicone, if that is what is in your "tool" box.

 

[icanfixall]

Helping out all commers is keeping the money you would spend at the stealership in your pocket. For me helping gives a feeling of doing something for others. Its very satisfying. Most of us were at the same place you ae at. We didn't just open our eyes one morning and say... Geez, I know how to do all this ad nobody helped me figure it out. those that know me know that I like to answe more than is asked.... n my early work days a co-worker coine my nicname... I was known as Talk Radio... He said it was because I talked about work so much and had an interest in many other things in life. My oppinions are my own.

 

[RedTruck]

KY gelly will work.

Got a tube of that behind the seat do you?

 

[icanfixall]

Nope... Thats in my carry on bag. One never knows how or when it can be used.....

 

[fields_mj]

WOW!!!! Holly crap! I thought someone said that a return line kit was around $35. Well, my IH dealership doesn't carry them, so I picked a kit up from NAPA for $109 plus tax!!!! I sure hope this fixes my problem, or at least makes an improvement in it.

 

[icanfixall]

You just got robbed. The return line kits are on Ebay for $30.00 all day long. Several sellers have them around that price. Thanks for the heads up on who is ripping off people out there. But on the bright side at least now you know so its a learning experiance and sometimes those cost you extra...

 

[DeepRoots]

yeah NAPA sells it for $90+
take it back immediately, and go buy one off ebay or from a fuel injection shop.

Drew

 

[fields_mj]

I'm taking it back and getting one from Mel. I was really wanting to change them out this morning. Oh well.

 

[Diesel JD]

I like my NAPA but not that much. I was pissed at my fuel injection shop for charging me $45, I told NAPA to stick it when I found out they had gone up from $40 to 70 or more. You can get them anywhere from 20-35 easily on ebay. Mel or Russ are pretty competitive as well.