Fuel fitting problem

[someguy000001]

I'm trying to replace the fuel pump on my '97, but the center fitting on the pump is driving me nuts. The two outside lines came off no problem, but the center one is a different type. I got a 3/8" fuel line disconnect tool (ampro t70101) from my local parts store, but it doesn't seem to fit. I'm trying to put it over the outlet and slide it into the fitting? Is that right?
There are plastic ridges that keep the tool from clamping on the inlet, and I can't get it from the side since I can't go around the other outlets.
I'm dirty, scraped up, and miserable. Any tips?

[corning_d3]

If your replacing a postively dead pump, you could break off the outside connectors to give you some room, or use a couple of some flat-bladed screwdrivers to depress the "fingers" so it'll pop off, or you could get a disconnect tool that hinges like scissors with a tool on each end.

[someguy000001]

Thanks for the reply. I never thought to just cut off the nubs. I get stupid when I get frustrated.

I shoved my digital cam up ther for a better look.
I just went out and got another fitting tool, but I'm having the same problem. The little ridges (circled) prevent it from sliding onto the outlet pipe.
So I take it the fingers are where the arrow is, on the sides? I think that's my biggest problem: I don't know how this connector works.

I'm gonna get back into it. Thanks again.

[someguy000001]

Well, I got it off. I used a plastic fitting tool that you stretch over the outlet pipe. The ridges I mentioned before kept it from going on cleanly, so in a fit of anger I twisted and warped the plastic tool until it bent around the ridges and finally it kind of went in and popped it off.

For me this is further proof that automotive engineers are evil, angry people. They go out of there way to make things difficult, and I bet they laugh about it over beers after work.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by someguy000001

I'm trying to replace the fuel pump on my '97, but the center fitting on the pump is driving me nuts. The two outside lines came off no problem, but the center one is a different type. I got a 3/8" fuel line disconnect tool (ampro t70101) from my local parts store, but it doesn't seem to fit. I'm trying to put it over the outlet and slide it into the fitting? Is that right?
There are plastic ridges that keep the tool from clamping on the inlet, and I can't get it from the side since I can't go around the other outlets.
I'm dirty, scraped up, and miserable. Any tips?

That type is the old squeeze it type.
Just squeeze the plastic ring at widest part with fingers or pair of pliers.
A little practice and it works good.
Good picture.
Yours looks like a tight fit to install try squeezing the end or twisting it a little.
And on outside lines you will need to use your old coupler snaps off of old fuel pump
Good Luck
MT

[someguy000001]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

That type is the old squeeze it type.
Just squeeze the plastic ring at widest part with fingers or pair of pliers.
A little practice and it works good.
Good Luck
MT

Hehe. Oops.

Believe me though, I squeezed it plenty. That was the first thing I did. I squeezed it every which way until I couldn't squeeze anymore. I shoved things in there to pry both sides out, and then I went back to asqueezin'.

But as you see, I'm pretty dopey.

[alblogg]

Yepand if I remember right that is the one that is a bit@@ to get back on also because you have to push it so hard to get it to go on.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by someguy000001

Hehe. Oops.

Believe me though, I squeezed it plenty. That was the first thing I did. I squeezed it every which way until I couldn't squeeze anymore. I shoved things in there to pry both sides out, and then I went back to asqueezin'.

But as you see, I'm pretty dopey.

I know they are a pain.
And they are using more and more of them on newer stuff.
They have even got one that is harder than that one to unsnap.

Rear wheel drives I remove the drive shaft and lower the tank a little for more room to work at getting the dang things off and on.
I had a 00 silverado today with about 4-5 of them on the tank and charcoal canister .