We have a 1996 F-150 with duel tanks. We have to remove the Front gas tank. We have dropped it down and can access the fuel lines and wires and have disconnected one of the lines. It came loose as soon as I removed the double safety clip that was pressed on around the connection. The other clip is off but the fuel lines won't seperate. How do they come apart... is it a push-pull? Wiggle and release or what??? Thanks, Rockfoot Do I need a special tool?

 

There is a fuel line disconnect tool that you can buy at any parts store.

 

Yeah, what he said. Its a little round thing that you slide like under the line, push and itll release.

 

Yea... right... I went to the auto parts store three times. I bought 2 different tools. The one that looks like it would work...doesn't. The little round one that slips up into the fitting like brett indicated will not work. The other tool is too big on the end and won't come close to fitting. The little round one is probably the one. The inside of the female ends have little steel, sliver like fingers that capture the raised portion ot the male end when it is pushed in... then there is a saddle type clamp that is pushed on after it is together to keep it from coming apart. Has anybody else had a bad experience with these things? I bought a set of the little sliver type fingers to replace the ones that are in there right now. Big problem is that there is no room to maneuver up above that tank.... PITA.... Thank for any help.... Rockfoot...

 

Yeah, they suck to remove - especially when you are working in a tight spot like between the bed and the top of the tank. It is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it. Keep at it and it will eventually come apart........or

as I found out the hard way this past spring, in the amount of time I screwed around with it, I could have had the bed off and the tank out. And that is exactly what I ended up doing.

Good luck.

 

It's a stupid design and they do suck. Even with the tool it can take forever.

 

Maybe I haven't worked on enough of these things, but I've never had any trouble getting the tool to work when disconnecting the lines. The biggest problem I had was getting to the fuel filter fitting on my dad's '92 because it was so close to the front tank. Push the tool into the fitting, give the tool and the line a twist and a push, then pull apart while twisting back and forth. The biggest trick is keeping the tool engaged in the fitting.

 

Just went through same issue,Release the pressure on fuel rail first,then it should slip off with the tool.Bought myself a 92 that had a bad front pump,and a full tank of rotten gas. Its is not fun if you manage to get the line off under pressure,it will spray you,MURPHYS LAW

 

Another day and another $10 worth of plastic tools.. I broke the one that fit... a 3/8ths.. I am gonna go out hunting a steel or aluminum tool tomorrow. I was using a 5/16ths before and found that 3/8ths was a better fit.. but broke it. This thing is giving me fits. I am about ready to saw it off and go from there....

 

Have you considered removing the bed yet? If I ever have to do any more fuel tank work, I won't even think about messing with it until the bed is off the truck.....

Again, just my opinion and experience.

 

I do quite a bit of those filters and the only problem I have had is with rusty lines, the trick is before you even use the tool, push and pull on the line while twisting back and forth until the female end slides on the male end, and then, push the 2 sides together while you firmyl instert the tool all the way (you may have to grow a 3rd hand till you get the hang of it), then slowly pull the lines apart while keeping the tool all the way in.

The problem is that corrosion, or even dirt can build up, and not allow the lines to push together, and it the lines can't push together, then the clips inside will have tension on them and not release all the way when the tool is installed, The Dirt can also keep you from getting the tool in ALL the way.

 

Yep... that's what the Ford place told me... dirt and crap can get up into the fitting thus preventing the tool from going all the way back to open up the fingers. I don't think that corriosion is a problem but really can't tell.
As far as the bed goes, it certainly is an option .Thanks

 

What I am hearing is that the flexible line should twist on the immovable line. I cannot twist the flexible line. I have purchased a couple of the metal type disconnects so I am back out there to try again... I don't think that there is enough room above that tank to get a pair of pliers on that thing to break it loose (so it will twist). Is this a bad idea? I cannot feel any play in the coupling whatsoever....

 

Well.... it's off. I would not have persisted if you guys hadn't given me the encouragement... I was not certain that thing would ever come off. It was like you said... wiggle, push, pull, twist and jerk around on the ground a little while and all of a sudden, it was loose. Thanks again... what a pain. Makes you wonder what the engineers are thinking when they design these things....

 

Glad to hear you persevered. I think jobs like these give us an opportunity to exercise our curse words.