i hope this is an appropriate place for this thread.I have a 2000 model year gmc jimmy i was replacing the fuel pump for a seventh time and my vapor return line at the front most part of the tank has broken. do i need this for vehicle to start? can it be plugged or repaired somehow?i noticed that it had been previously repaired with window caulk and "magnum steel epoxy stick".Will any starting problems or any problems in general occur if this line remains broken/damaged?

 

To be honest I don't know the answer to your question...but if it was me I would just replace the line and be done with it.

btw 7 fuel pumps? what are you doing to them?...I'm sure you've heard delco or delphi only.

 

the original owner liked to go the cheap way and buy the refurbished 30 dollar airtex fuel pumps from Ebay (I guess he didn't mind dropping the tank every 30 days) I on the other hand have just installed the OE delphi pump. also there is no way to replace my vapor line without a new tank unlike others mine doesnt seem to rotate clockwise and pull out.the dealership wants $689 for a new plastic tank not going there and the trolls seemed to have reached my local junkyard as i was searching through 6 local junkyards and all 14 jimmys/blazers i came across had their plastic tanks sawed IN HALF!

to make a long story short i need to know if this vapor return line would somehow prevent my vehicle from starting

 

Pretty sure that the broken vapor line will not cause a starting problem. I broke the front one on my '95. It did not set a code on the '95, but that was OBDI...OBDII that you have may set a code and of course turn the check engine lite on.

If this is just the plastic piece that screws into the tank, then they are available from Dorman. Should be a rubber line between this and a metal line on the vehicle.

 

I think the tanks were sawed because the junkyard (most of them) drain the fuel from vehicles. Plastic doesn't spark and would be the easiest way to drain, metal tanks on the other hand need to be drained properly.

 

You will probably set a code, but my GUESS is it will start just fine. if it does start, the evap test is the last to run, and wont set right away. Depending on your local laws you may or may not pass a smog test.

This is just wild brainstorming, but why not totaly plug the old port, and find a new pace to install a small hose nipple? or get a metal one from the parts store, about $200