Hi all, basic question. One of my carbureted Fords is a 75 Continental with the 460. I noticed while doing an oil change that I have a return line from the fuel pump heading back to the tank. Is this a form of emission control or a way to stop vapor lock? I also noticed that I have an AC brand filter. I’m guessing that the previous owner installed this as it looks aftermarket. Just wanted to check up on why this return line is there. It is nice to be able to try to keep these nice classics on the road. Thanks!

The return line keeps the float bowls from overflowing due to overpressure in those rare instances when a 460 isn't guzzling fuel. The fuel pump has enough capacity to keep up with fuel demand at full throttle, but it's dumb, doesn't know what the demand is. The return line is a way to smarten up the system a little.

If you're replacing the fuel filter, a transparent one isn't a bad idea. Lets you see when rust is becoming a problem.

Thanks! I thought it might be to prevent vapor lock. P.S. I also doubt that engine can get too much gas but it sure is smooth!