2000 F150, 5.4 L, extended cab, 6.5 ft. bed.
Replacing my fuel pump. One of the fuel line quick connect fittings - at the pump - won't release using the plastic disconnect tools. Like the OEM brand plastic ones from AutoZone. OEM/A/C and fuel line disconnect tool set 25052 at AutoZone.com - 1 reviews

Need some tips or suggestions on what to try next or maybe a different tool (even a home made one).

I've used these before & usually there's not much pressure required to push the tool "sleeve" all the way in to release the spring clips. But the fuel tank is harder to reach.

The tank is unstrapped & lowered enough to get to the fittings at the FP, but still awkward. The 1st of the 2 flex lines gave a little trouble - but came off using the little plastic tool. I had to push the disconnect tool from behind using a wrench - quite a bit harder than I remember any other quick connect fitting. But it came off.

The 2nd line refuses. There's really only 2 sizes in that kit that are near the fuel line size. On the 2nd line, I used the same one (gray - smallest) that finally released the connection. I tried both the gray & blue tool on the 2nd line - many times & ways.

May not mean much, but the 1st connection didn't seem to have gunk in it, once it came off.

Thanks for any help.

 

connectors on the tank pump are not the same as on the fuel filter

 

Thanks. I've taken these connections apart for decades.

The trick to getting this really stubborn quick connection apart was loosening the fuel line retaining clip on the frame rail (holds several lines).

To remove all tension between the connection halves. Before trying that, I had an experienced helper pushing the connector together while I tried to insert the disconnect tool (didn't help).

Also getting a metal disconnect tool. The plastic ones just didn't cut it on this connector, though I've used them in the past.

 

I had one once that was so rusted in that soaking for days did nothing. I finally just yanked it out and went to NAPA and bought a little package of new cages and that fixed it right up.

 

"New cages?" I've never heard the term with fuel lines.

Amazingly, after 14 yrs the quick connections under the truck aren't rusted & didn't have any dirt or sediment inside them.

 

The little "cages" with all the fingers that grab the ring on the male end. They are replaceable in the female part. So if one is destroyed you can pull it out and put a new one in. NAPA had different sizes with like 4 in a bag for IIRc $5.00.