
The number of lines on a fuel pump is an important consideration when installing a new engine. A fuel pump with two lines can be used, but it may be more effective to use a fuel return pump on the engine. This decision may depend on the type of motor, with some motors requiring a pulse line, and therefore a third line. The third line is typically used for exhaust fumes, pulling them from the tank to a charcoal canister, where they are then pulled to the engine to be burned.
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What You'll Learn
- Two-line fuel pumps are used in return fuel systems, where excess fuel is dumped back into the tank
- Three-line fuel pumps have an additional line to pull exhaust fumes from the tank to the charcoal canister
- The third line in three-line pumps is a vent line
- Two-line fuel pumps can be used in three-line cars with some modifications
- Two-line fuel pumps are commonly used in diesel engines

Two-line fuel pumps are used in return fuel systems, where excess fuel is dumped back into the tank
The two lines in a two-line fuel pump serve different functions. One line is the main fuel line, which sends fuel to the engine. The other line is the return line, which carries excess fuel back to the tank. The return line also helps to keep the fuel cool under hot conditions and prevents issues such as vapor lock and percolation.
The two-line fuel pump is commonly found in older vehicles, such as the 1972 Buick GS, and some boats with two-cylinder motors. However, newer vehicles and boats may also utilise this type of fuel pump. For example, a 1984 GMC pickup truck and a 1975 Chevy C10 truck both feature a two-line mechanical fuel pump.
While a two-line fuel pump can be effective, there are also three-line fuel pumps that offer additional functionality. The third line in these pumps is dedicated to exhaust fumes, pulling them from the tank to a charcoal canister, where they are then pulled to the engine to be burned. This feature enhances the overall performance and efficiency of the fuel system.
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Three-line fuel pumps have an additional line to pull exhaust fumes from the tank to the charcoal canister
Fuel pumps are used to transfer fuel from the tank to the engine. There are two types of fuel systems: return and returnless. In a return system, the fuel is pumped through the pump to the engine, dispensed in the rail, and then there is a line that runs back to the fuel tank to dump the excess fuel back in. In a returnless system, the fuel is pumped back into the tank before the fuel rail.
A two-line fuel pump has one line for sending fuel and another for returning excess fuel to the tank. On the other hand, a three-line fuel pump has an additional line to pull exhaust fumes from the tank to the charcoal canister. This third line ensures that the fumes are pulled into the engine to be burned, preventing them from venting near the hot engine or in the garage.
The two-line and three-line fuel pumps work similarly, differing primarily in the number of lines and how they are connected to the engine. The two-line pump has two ports and is mounted directly to the side of the block, while the three-line pump has three ports and uses a remote pulse source via a hose.
When deciding between a two-line and a three-line fuel pump, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your vehicle and engine. Both types of pumps can effectively transfer fuel, but the three-line pump has the added benefit of managing exhaust fumes, which can enhance the overall performance and ventilation of your vehicle.
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The third line in three-line pumps is a vent line
The use of a three-line fuel pump is recommended to prevent vapor lock issues on hot-running stock engines. Vapor lock occurs when a hot engine is unable to receive the fuel it needs due to vapour in the fuel line creating unwanted pressure. This can cause the engine to stall and not restart until it has cooled off.
One solution to this issue is to use a return line to keep the fuel cooler under hot conditions. The return line can be hooked up to the existing fuel pump to prevent vapor lock. This is a preferable option to blocking off the return line, which can cause issues with fuel pressure.
Another solution is to use a fuel return pump on the engine, which can be achieved by capping the return line back to the tank. However, this may be more complex than simply removing the electric pump.
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Two-line fuel pumps can be used in three-line cars with some modifications
The two-line fuel pump is the most common type of fuel pump. It has two lines that are connected to the tank of a car. The fuel lines are connected to the carburetor and send fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. A three-line fuel pump, on the other hand, has three lines connected to the car's tank and is more common than the two-line pump because it can deliver more gas at once. It is also useful for cars with carburetors that have more than one jet.
Now, a two-line fuel pump can be used in a three-line car with some modifications. The third line in a three-line fuel pump is for exhaust fumes, which it pulls from the tank to the "charcoal canister" and then to the engine to be burned. In a two-line fuel pump, the two hoses are the vent hose and the high-pressure hose. The vent hose is connected to the engine and releases excess pressure that could build up in the fuel tank. The high-pressure hose is connected to the fuel pump and delivers gasoline to the car's engine.
To use a two-line fuel pump in a three-line car, the return line back to the tank can be capped. However, it is recommended to use a fuel return pump on the engine instead. Additionally, the in-tank pump in the three-line car can be left in place with the relay removed. This setup has been successfully done on a Caprice, where the owner had no issues running a carburetor through the TBI pump with a mechanical fuel pump on the motor.
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Two-line fuel pumps are commonly used in diesel engines
Two-line fuel pumps are a common feature in diesel engines. They are used to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the engine by managing the flow of fuel and maintaining optimal conditions.
The two lines in a fuel pump serve distinct purposes. One line is responsible for delivering fuel from the tank to the engine, ensuring a consistent supply for combustion. The second line, typically smaller in diameter, functions as a return line. This return line allows excess fuel from the engine to be sent back to the fuel tank. This design prevents fuel wastage and ensures that the engine receives only the required amount of fuel.
The return line in a two-line fuel pump system also plays a crucial role in temperature regulation. By circulating the fuel back to the tank, the return line helps to cool the fuel, preventing overheating issues. This is particularly advantageous in diesel engines, which tend to operate at higher temperatures compared to gasoline engines.
Additionally, the return line can contribute to the cooling of other critical components, such as injectors and the engine head. This cooling effect enhances the overall performance and longevity of the engine. It is worth noting that this cooling aspect may be less significant in modern common rail diesel engines due to their advanced fuel injection systems.
While two-line fuel pumps are commonly used in diesel engines, there are also three-line fuel pump systems. The third line in these systems is dedicated to managing exhaust fumes. It pulls the fumes from the tank to a charcoal canister, from where they are directed to the engine to be burned, reducing harmful emissions. Ultimately, the choice between a two-line and a three-line fuel pump depends on the specific requirements of the engine and the vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
A 2-line fuel pump has one feed to the carb with a threaded fitting and the other with just a nipple suction from the tank that acts as a vent line.
The pros of a 2-line fuel pump are that it is cheaper and easier to install than a 3-line fuel pump. The cons are that it may not be as effective at preventing vapor lock issues as a 3-line fuel pump.
A 2-line fuel pump has one feed line and one vent line, while a 3-line fuel pump has an additional return line to help with vapor lock issues.
Yes, you can use a 2-line fuel pump if your motor has a capped or non-capped pulse port. The 2-line fuel pump will work just fine in this case.











































