ST165 fuel line coupler problem

[___Scott___]

I need to replace my fuel pump. Things were going well until I tried to disconnect the coupler in the fuel line near the tank. I can get wrenches on it but don't have enough leverage to break it loose. Any tips on how to get this apart would be appreciated.



Thanks.

 

[___Scott___]

Not exactly an emergency but I'd like to get this back on the road sooner rather than later.

 

[Dracov]

Unfortunately I have no good advice on this, despite replacing my own pump last year and running into the same problem. The hard line going to the tank is fixed, so it's the soft hose side that spins. I would suggest heaping doses of your preferred penetrating oil of choice (Kroil, CRC Freeze-Off, acetone+ATF, etc) and time to soak before giving it another go. Maybe a long reach wrench if you can fit one up in there.

You could also try to slightly lower the tank to get better reach, but then you have a loose tank hovering around on top of all the other pre-existing challenges

 

[simple]

I've fought that one before. Don't use a torch as you will melt the line between the tank and that fitting. The lines are no longer available OEM parts. Vice grips will just smash the flare nut.

Penetrating oil and patience. This type of connector has barely any torque applied.

 

[___Scott___]

I was in "Penetrating oil and patience" mode when I made the post. I'm going to try tapping it with opposing hammers if I can get them in there.

Thanks for the warning on heat and vice grips.

 

[grip-addict]

Do you have five-sided line/flare wrenches? Harbor freight has them for a reasonable price. Get a pair on there and then use a squeezing action with your hand to loosen. And... Yeah this job sucks. Take your time, don't rush it, Don't get frustrated, And all will be well.

 

[___Scott___]

I don't have flare nut wrenches but I'm at the point where that's the next thing to try.

I was able to get hammers up in there and do some pretty firm tapping but that did't get it to break loose. I've tried the squeeze technique with regular open wrenches and if I go much more the corners are going to round over.

This was my daily driver for a long time but since I retired a couple of years ago it mostly just sits. That's probably why the fuel pump isn't happy. My 4Runner is rock solid reliable but I always like to have two reliable cars at any time.

 

[Roreri]

Flare nut wrench and penetrating oil and patience. Otherwise you’ll make an unholy mess of it. Ask me how I know.

 

[___Scott___]

Update:
Flare nut wrenches allowed me to use more force but were not enough to break the joint loose. The next step was CRC Freeze-Off. I couldn't find any locally so I had to get it from Amazon. That did the trick, sort of. I was able to break the joint loose but it turned less than a full turn before it started to bind up. I worked it back and forth for a while and got it a few more turns before it started to rain so I decided to call it quits for now. It's progress at least!

Just as an FYI, CRC Freeze-Off requires that you spray the stuck bolt for about 20 seconds to freeze it. That's a lot of penetrating oil splashing and dripping around. Be prepared with rags to catch and clean up the mess. Also, eye protection would be a good idea.

 

[RedCelicaTRD]

If the freeze-off doesn’t work, you could always try a torch…

I’ll see myself out!