Can't disconnect fuel lines at the tank!!

[steedamatt]

I have a 2001 Lincoln LS and I believe I need to change the fuel pump but cant remove the lines going into the tank at the cover under the rear seat. Help! Its driving me crazy.

 

[tixer]

Welcome, Steedamatt!

Before you dig too deeply, you'll want to check the 20A fuse in the trunk. There's some info on that in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU4auDzVjLc

If you know the problem is the pump, keep reading..

The clips on fuel lines can be tricky if you haven't done them before. It isn't always easy to tell what releases them, and what part is intended to be removed..

It may look like the lines are removed from the colored plastic "caps" over the sending unit, where the caps themselves, are the ends of the lines.. Usually, there's just a part to "squeeze" to release them, and you lift off.

Here's what the part looks like with the lines disconnected: (shamelessly stolen from an Ebay listing...)

 

[steedamatt]

Thanks for the info. I haven't checked the fuse but sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. I lifted the back seats and drove around for a few days. When I hear the pump prime when i turn the key it starts then other times it does not prime when I turn the key and it will not start. This leads me to believe the pump is on its way out. I tried to push in the tabs and pull and it doesn't budge. They will kinda rotate side to side but not up and down. I also have a mustang and have no problem with disconnecting those fuel lines but these are getting the best of me. Still stuck grrrr.

 

[Lvnmarks]

What kind of line disconnect tools are you using? Might have to try a different style if you're having trouble.


This is what I currently use to disconnect fuel lines in my garage...

 

[steedamatt]

Thanks, but I have used those ones to disconnect fuel lines and ac lines but the ones on the ls are plastic and the connector has plastic tabs. There is no way the conventional tool will work. Its weird. I might have to find a picture to post unless someone here has seen them before.

 

[Lvnmarks]

Here is a decent THREAD That may yield an answer.

 

[steedamatt]

Yes those are the stupid connectors lol!! Now if I can just figure out how to defeat them!

 

[tixer]

Could you squeeze but pry gently from underneath? You'll want to make sure you are prying with something fairly widely spaced tines though. the red ring visible in the photo I posted is clearly not designed to come off with the line..

 

[steedamatt]

Yup tried it. I have all sizes of panel poppers and one fit perfectly. I pried as I squeezed but it only cracked the little clips. Oh boy!

 

[steedamatt]

Thanks for all the help!! I got it!! It wasn't really the clip, it was the age. I let it soak in pb blast over night and the next day it just lifted right up off the cap. Thanks again..........Matt

 

[Lvnmarks]

Good to hear a success story!! Were you able to get the new pump in and running?

 

[steedamatt]

Yes I did! The pump replacement was a breeze and it seems to run good so far. Thanks for all the help!