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TBI Fuel system questions...

Metal Twister

Metal Twister

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I have a 77 Jimmy that I want to transplant a 89 TB454 into. The 454 is in a van which I will be getting the complete van with the fuel tank. Are the tanks interchangeable? Is there any problem with running rubber return line? Any other issues that I may run into? Thanks in advance for any advice and direction.:waytogo:
 
Personally I would not run any type of rubber line on an injected system. Especially with today's garbage fuel that eats substandard rubber products. You'll have to measure the van tank it may fit with no issue. I have no clue if it's close to a Blazer / Burban unit.

Mike
 
I don't see a big issue with the rubber return line, but I'd make it accessible to change. Nixon is right - ethanol will deteriorate rubber and nobody wants a fuel leak.

As far as the tank, the Blazer's mount between the framerails and MOST vans mount along the side of one framerail. If this is the case, it'd be a no-go. You really only need the pump anyway - and there are multiple ways to make it work if you're willing to go aftermarket.
 
To be honest Id really rather have an external pump and modify the tank access door where the sending unit is to accommodate it. Are tank baffles required for some reason and what is the need for baffles in a tbi tank?
 
risk of fire with cheeper hose these days just add in the 5/16" hard line for return .

baffle in tank keeps fuel pool in sucktion point of pump/sender to not let fuel get as much air and cause problems. also in tank pump runs cooler than external pump . and high pressure pump push better than pull fuel .

if me just add the hard return line and swap in newer tbi spec tank and sender for simple / clean / easy parts avaliblity if you need something .
 
Metal Twister said:
To be honest Id really rather have an external pump and modify the tank access door where the sending unit is to accommodate it. Are tank baffles required for some reason and what is the need for baffles in a tbi tank?
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The baffles are not required. You can get a pump that has a reservoir built around it that will provide the same function. Only problem is that they are wide so you may have trouble getting it in the tank. I couldn't fit one through the stock opening on my 71.

Does your Jimmy have a return line from the mechanical fuel pump? If so, use that. If not, you can run new supply line and then use the old supply line for a return.

External pump is easier to change out, but they make more noise, are hard to locate because they should be lower than the fuel source, and maybe don't last as long due to the heat.
 
Does your Jimmy have a return line from the mechanical fuel pump? If so, use that. If not, you can run new supply line and then use the old supply line for a return.
yes it has a small return line in it now that Im not using... thought it would be too small for that for some reason?

Only problem is that they are wide so you may have trouble getting it in the tank. I couldn't fit one through the stock opening on my 71.
Does anyone make a new new drop in unit that will fit in the top of a 77?

External pump is easier to change out, but they make more noise, are hard to locate because they should be lower than the fuel source, and maybe don't last as long due to the heat.
Sounds like the internal pump is the way to go... I was just thinking about the ease of a trail fix if ever required? I just finished cutting a hole in my floor to access the tank... hope its close if I have to swap out tanks! :D :waytogo:
 
If you use a Delco pump and appropriate rubber lines (where required) you won't be changing it for 100,000 miles. I personally don't see the point of an access door for that reason alone.

Just find a TBI K5, and take all the lines/tank from it. Life will be easier.
 
After some checking it looks like the van might have a 33 gallon tank located in the same spot as the Jimmy has now. If that is the case I can snag the complete TBI system out of the van and transplant it all into the Jimmy saving a ton of issues. Thanks guys for the info. as soon as I get things in hand I will be sure to let you know how it works out
 
burst your bubble . . ..

van frames are wider and thus tanks are wider.

I have 2 40 gal van tanks . I was going to use 1 in my crew cab build . but it will take some mods to clear the frame rails. the sender might work for you tho.
 
That is a good conversion article eagle mark! Thanks for taking the time to post it up for me. Guess it would only make sense to wait and see what I get with the van and what will work and what won't. Thanks again for all the great info here, thinking I was making it a bigger deal than it really is. :waytogo:
 
You can buy the hardline extremely cheap if you want. I was a dumb 18yr old when I swapped a 90 body on an 80 frame and threw away all the fuel and return lines. :whistle: I just bought new lines, and bent them by hand and tossed them on. Took about an hr to do them all. Then I just hooked them up to the braided stainless lines at the sender, and made new stainless lines for the TBI part. Not the best way of doing it, but its not awful.
 
My 87 and up tank and sending unit from Classic Parts cost around $150 for both.
It was all just a bolt in deal. So far no problems with fuel pickup.
 
I've never seen tanks other than K5 ones that have the taper to the back. Sure you could get a new skidplate made for some other tank, but it would still look goofy.
 
Blue85 said:
I've never seen tanks other than K5 ones that have the taper to the back. Sure you could get a new skidplate made for some other tank, but it would still look goofy.
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Looks at this point aren't as much of a concern as being functional. While I have a 77 Jimmy frame and suspension the body is now a 74 Jeep Cherokee. :haha:

 
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