Can I delete this housing and how?

[Lonesome7.3]

I was suppose to go out of down tonight but this damn housing is stopping me. I have an 87 Ranger with a 2.9. I was changing the fluids and fuel filer in preparation for my trip. I took this housing apart because I forgot the 87 and newer had a canister filter further up the frame rail. I guess I pinched the O ring inside because it was leaking fuel during my test drive. I found another O ring in my drawer but it will not stay put because it has been twisted for so long. The big problem is the spring loaded valve inside fell apart. I know I cannot get one of these at my local parts store. So can just delete it altogether? I see no reason for it. My plan was to bend and flare some metal line and stick them in its place. I would use the same size so the stock fuel lines will connect the same way with the same retainers. Any suggestions?

 

[daddy]

I'm sure it's just an extra filter they put there that has no real purpose at all. Delete it and everything should be fine. Also, if you want to remover your air and oil filters, that should be okay too. Those things are always in my way.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

After much research I found out why this thing is there. And it turn out many people have deleted it with out issue. This is not a filter housing. The filter is further up the frame rail. I want to delete it because I am in a tight spot and have to get on the road. However, I prefer to repair and re-install it. I am sure the OE had a reason for it.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I woke up this morning and with a clear head and tried again. I used a light coat of grease to hold the O ring in place. I was ab,e to use a screw driver through the outlet tube to re position the valve. When I heard an audible click I figured it was back in place. It also stays in place when i turn it upside down. The only confusing part is a small green o ring that was laying in the bowl when i cracked it open. No idea what it went to or how it got there. I also used a light coat of grease on the threads so it would go back together easier. I was able to re install it on the truck with no problems.

The bad news. Now the truck will not start. It will fire on starting fliud so I know it has spark and air. It is obviously a fuel issue. The only variable that is different is that little valve in the housing. There are no leaks so i am assuming the O ring is in place. However, I do nto know if I got that valave working or what the O ring did.

 

[The DarkNight]

 

[NMRam]

It may be a fuel routing issue...it doesn't look like a straight pass through according to this image.

 

[NMRam]

Here is another diagram of flow.

This one may not apply...it looks like it is an F150 with dual tanks...Sorry!

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I was thinking that as well. But the tubing is two different sizes.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

I just started pulling the housing out again and it is full of fuel. So, fuel it getting to it. But I also have fuel in the lines after it. I am not sure if it is just residual though.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

This is the valve I was referring to. I have it held in place with a screw driver in the photograph.