Just joined and need help with fuel pump...

[Hooked On Ford]

I have a stock 2000 Explorer Sport. It died on me Saturday and after some troubleshooting, I found the fuel pump to be bad. Being that I'm renting an apartment, the work is being done in my parking lot on jackstands. The tank has been partially lowered, and the return line disconnected, as well as the electrical harness at the frame rail. My problem is the supply line. Mind you, the return line had a plastic clip that I squeezed to disconnect it; the return has the spring lock version. I used the line-disconnect tool (plastic blue one for 3/8" line), but upon insertion, I don't feel the "give" typically felt when the spring gives way and the line can be pulled off the nipple. In fact, it feels like it's hitting a dead end. I'm not new to disconnecting this style of connection, but I've never encountered this before. I tried pushing the line onto the nipple to see if the spring "pops", but it didn't budge. So, no movement in either direction. It'll rotate a bit and that's it. Anyone has any ideas? Sucks to spend Memorial Day fighting a fuel line.

 

[drdoom]

You will probably need to keep working it loose. There is likely some rust in there. And try a different tool if you can, like a 5/16" or even a metal type.

 

[Hooked On Ford]

I sprayed it with WD-40 before I quit on it yesterday, so hopefully that helps out. I already tried the 5/16", but it won't fit over the line. The metal type for Ford's I saw at Advance Auto is also for 5/16" lines. Nonetheless, I'll be at it soon. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks.

 

[budwich]

One of the problems in release is that debris gets behind the collar and as a result when pushing in the tool, it "fake bottoms" and thus fails to cause the release. I think the "normal instructions" for release blow / force air to clear out the dirty / dust. Hopefully, your wd40 effort will work.

 

[Hooked On Ford]

Looks like that did the job! Spent a few minutes working on it and felt a bit more movement. After 10 minutes of patiently working the line, it released. Key word: patiently. An hour later and a tank of fresh gas, I'm out running errands. Thanks for the advice guys!