dropped the gas tank, how do i disconnect gas lines? 1991

[tpstaples]

Ok, so .. i dropped my gas tank today cause i could smell a leak and well.. i think i had one.

basically one of the two gas outlets from the fuel pump broke off so i had 1 gas line dangling. NOT GOOD.

so now here's my question.. how the HECK do i get the metal tube that comes out of the fuel pump out of my gas line flange or whatever you want to call it.

Since i suck at explaining things, here's some pictures i took of the situation.... notice that one is still connected, and one of the gas lines has remnants of the old one still inside it.. i think i'm gonna have to drill it out of the gas line maybe.. or just cut the gas ling and redo the end....

let me know what you all think....

 

[Maniak]

For the line that is still connected.. stop by the auto parts store and get a set of Ford fuel line disconnect tools. They an also be labled a/c line disconnect tools. They push into the coupler so you can pull out the inner line.

Now for the one that broke. I've never seen one break.. I don't think you can drill it out since the locking mechanisim will still be holding it.. If you drill I think you will also ruin the locking mechnism. My guess is to replace thqat part of the line, but I don't remember how far it is, and even if ford makes a replacement. That is a high pressure line (40+ PSI) so just using hose clamps is problably not an option.. Hopefully someone else has better ideas..

btw.. the fuel line disconnect tools can also be found at sears.. They carry the ones made by leslie (its a set of plastic ones.. which do work pretty good)

~Mark

 

[Darrman]

The only thing I can think of for the broken line is to try to collapse the broken off section without damaging the outer coupler. The spring locks are easy to find and buy, your local auto store should have them. Ford no longer sells fuel lines, the only way would be to get a used one, or pay a fortune to have one made.
You could also just try good 'ol force, get a pair of needle nose pliers on the broken part and have someone hold the line and you pull, I would try that before you cough up the dough for new line, the spring locks cost less than five bucks.

 

[tpstaples]

I have the spring locks if i know what you guys are talking about.. i took them off before i tried pulling the lines out.

NOw if i can get needle nose pliers on the broken off piece down inside the coupler then can i use the fuel line disconnect tool to disconnect it?

man this sucks

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

the spring clip that is inside the coupler end is more like a C its not a complete metal circle........you should be able to get a small screwdriver inside and pull the end of the spring clip out and work your way around, once you get that clip out the metal end should just fall out, then check the condition of the spring clip and put it back in if its good.

 

[DeRocha]

First off you should take a peek @ the Fuel filter replacement thread.. It has lots of info and pics showing how to use the fuel line disconnect tools. That being said I woud use needle nose pliers and try and collapse and pull out the remaining tube... The important thing would be to not strain or crush the stainless braided line will yanking on the broken tube.

 

[tpstaples]

thanks guys... next warm day here in MA i'll try and get this stuff apart
now to try and find a fuel tank at a boneyard with a fuel pump still in it....

does anyone know what years will fit a 91 ?

 

[DeRocha]

thanks guys... next warm day here in MA i'll try and get this stuff apart
now to try and find a fuel tank at a boneyard with a fuel pump still in it....

does anyone know what years will fit a 91 ?

I don't get it.. Exactly why are you looking for a bone yard tank? I thought your only problem was with the fuel line(s). As such I assumed you would get a new Fuel pump and sending unit & lock ring for <$150 and call it a day...

 

[tpstaples]

well.. my fuel pump looks really sketchy and one of the gas lines on it broke off so yes i have to replace it...

but, after i dropped the tank i noticed that the last owner had dropped it and patched it.. the patch will probably hold.. but i found a tank that probably has a sending unit and pump on it already at a boneyard for 75 bucks. I have to check on that though, gonna call tomorrow......

looking for a cheap fix... dont want to spend too too much money on it.. cause i have another rig right now that i'm working on and a baby due april 19th

 

[DeRocha]

Is your tank steel or plastic? My '93 has a plastic tank and obviously will never rust (accept the embedded lock ring flange). IMO most used sending units are crap.. The zinc coated steel quickly rusts out and having to drop the tank to replace a failed pump is never a fun time (especially with a full tank of gas).

 

[Darrman]

Second that, a used pump is a shot in the dark, there is no telling how long it will last, and once its gone, you are out your money. Not that all new ones are great, I had to replace the one in the '91 three months after installing a new one the first time, but at least it was warrantied. And I swear I will sell the P.O.S. before I replace it again, lol.

 

[tpstaples]

hmm.. yea.. my tank is plastic.. you make an interesting point

maybe i'll see how cheap i can get a new fuel pump for

 

[DeRocha]

The link in my other post show the fuel pump and sending unit.. Where is the patch on yours? Even though your spending some $$ for a new pump @ least you won't be posting a few months down the road saying you need to replace the pump in your boneyard tank...

 

[peedelberryjb]

same thing happen to me in my 93'x...gass leak droped the tank and found the same in your pictures..line broke in the other one..what i did was cut off the steel line bout a foot..ran a rubber hose till i got it out..to get the broken pice out of the line i use the quick disconect tool put it on and wiggled and pulled with needle nose pliers till it came out..wasnt fun at all but it came out..i sprayd croil "or wd-40 any thing like that" down both ends while doing to help to loosen the rust away..i replaced the sendingunit/pump as it comes in a set for $115.00 i think it was and i also replaced the O-ring and washer in the lines..and when you replace the steel line i used a little pice of ruber fule line to connect them back where i cut it..i did me bout 4months a go and no problems sence...this might help

 

[tpstaples]

the patch is actually in the plastic on the top of the tank. i guess that's the least likely place for the tank to leak seeing as it would only leak if you REALLY FILLED the tank or were on a incline or decline just right.

My goal is to fix this up, restore the rest of the vehicle as much as i can and sell it. Like i said, i have another rig i'm more fond of. hmmmmmm....... decisions decisions...

anyone know of a place online that sells new fuel pumps that would be cheaper than the price i would pay for going to a local auto parts store?

 

[tpstaples]

?

 

[dutch724]

I had a hell of a time trying to figure out how to take those disconnects off. All I can say is don't use the metal tool that the auto store has for it. it doesn't work.
use the plastic tools for it. i got mine from Napa after searching my A$$ off for a fix.
they also had the replacement fingers (springs that hold the line there).
I had to use needle nose pliers to get the fingers out.
hope this helps.

 

[Brock94]

I had a hell of a time trying to figure out how to take those disconnects off. All I can say is don't use the metal tool that the auto store has for it. it doesn't work.
use the plastic tools for it. i got mine from Napa after searching my A$$ off for a fix.
they also had the replacement fingers (springs that hold the line there).
I had to use needle nose pliers to get the fingers out.
hope this helps.

I wasn't able to get the plastic disconnect tool to work-- I read all the posts about how to use it properly, but I think the line was just too rusted. I ended up using a pick to take the retainer spring out to take it apart. The disconnect tools seem to work well with spring-lock AC lines, but they aren't that great to push the "fingers" in the fuel line fitting apart. The fingers just get stuck on flange of the rusted line. I recommend a flashlight and a pick-- but try using the tool-- it's cheap and hey, you might get lucky!

After replacing my sending unit, I noticed that our local CarQuest sells steel replacement lines for the sending unit. I think they have to be brazed in, but it's a lot cheaper than replacing the whole sending unit.

 

[dutch724]

When I was trying to use the metal tool to disconnect the lines I ended up bending it up as i tried to push it in there pretty hard so those fingers would back off. When I went to Napa I said what the hell i'll try the plastic tools. Seeing there was no instructions on how to do it and i had to replace the fuel filter. I went to work on the fuel filter with the plastic ones and also tried the plastic ones. there was much more room up there to work than back at the gas tank. I finally got the hang of the plastic tools and went back to the tank and got the fingers to push away from holding the flange in there. remember you have to push the line in there at the same time as pushing the tool in there. then pull back on the line and it should work after a few times of doing that.
Everyone I asked if there was replacement fingers seeing i end up pulling one set out with my needle nose pliers I needed new fingers for putting back together. The dealer and everyone said there was no such thing until i was passing Napa and decided to take a look in there they had them hanging on the wall. I bought a few sets just in case i need them again when i pull the tank this spring.
Main thing is take your time and if it starts to get you mad stop and find something else to do before you run into trouble by breaking something else.
After I got my tank free my sending unit was rusted to hell so wire brushed it and put a few coats of extend rust converter on it and painted so maybe that will help it last longer this time.
Good Luck!