I'm in the process of replacing the intake manifold gaskets on my '87 F150 4.9L. I got the upper manifold off with very little drama, but I have then spent 3-4 hours and several disconnect "tools" attempting to get the lines off the fuel rail.

Does anyone have some helpful advice about getting the connectors to release? I've never had this much trouble with quick-release connectors in the past and I'm way beyond frustrated at this point.

 

Can you get a can of lube with a straw back there to spray it? Sometimes the spring rusts up and it needs some slickum. Also, plastic tools sometimes work better than metal, can't explain why. They are much less durable but if they work who cares.

 

I have good access to them so that won't be a problem. I'll shoot some penetrating oil up there and give it a whirl tomorrow evening and see what happens.

 

some times it helps to push the connections together-they may be in a bind~~~

 

I prefer the metal tools. The plastic ones are one-time-use throwaways as far as I'm concerned. Use what you like... take your favorite lube and give the connector a good soaking. Not just for lube but also to wash out any dirt/sand/mud in there so that it don't get into the lines. Now push the tool in there while also pushing the coupling together. Rotate the tool a bit (it may bind some, this is why I tear up the plastic ones) as you alternate pushing and pulling the coupling. It should come apart pretty easy after that. If not then look inside and make sure there ain't some dirt in there that's keeping the tool from seating all the way.

 

Success!

After a bath in penetrating oil and some muscle on the flex line, they are apart. It looks like the seals were stuck in the connector. I'll be extra careful to check for leaks after I get it back together...

 

Good to hear. I have had to spray and wait plenty of times. Glad you got it off.