Hello,
I am removing my fuel tank to replace the fuel pump on a 2004 Ford Taurus. I have everyting off and the straps removed with a jack on the gas tank. But I have one pesky problem.
See image. I tried removed this retainer clip. It broke off and half of it is inside still. I cannot get it out with needle nose pliers. It just keeps breaking off in little bits.
What can I do so this can be removed.
Same spot and idea but the clip is white and a little differently looking
Push the bits out from the bottom with a pick.
You are pushing IN on the connector, aren’t you? That takes the load off the clip.
You can buy replacement locks at the parts store.
Yes so once I get all the bits off this will just slide off.
These little bits are preventing it from coming off, correct? Thanks!
Yes, the yellow ones in your photo. It is (or was) a U shaped part.
Yes. It is a quick connect fitting with an O-ring inside. The yellow clip retains the hose onto the tube. When assembled it just pushes and clicks. When removed…the clip needs to come out by pushing the lower bits that are snapped into place. I said it was quick connect…not quick DIS-connect.
Yeah. I have a love/hate relationship with those things. Very efficient and simple, but so annoying once it has to come apart and that plastic is all brittle and whatnot. Luckily it is pretty easy to find the new clips.
Worse case, just cut the rubber tube off, replace it w/ a new one. 2004 model, the rubber is probably showing its age anyway.
This job requires you use all the gasoline safety precautions. e.g. nothing nearby that could create a spark or flame, have a big fire extinguisher on hand, that you know works, and make sure all the fuel-containing hoses are well-clamped so no gasoline comes pouring out when you remove the tank.
I’ve not worked on a Taurus, but I assume my 'scort is about the same - no rubber. All metal line with a precision fit, and that plastic clip is the retainer. If you wanted to cut them, best option would now be all new fuel lines (no fun!), or you’d have to rig something, perhaps using a flare tool make something of a barb, and then join with rubber and hose clamps. I did do that once to install a transmission cooler, but I wouldn’t do it on fuel lines.
I was finally able to get it out and the hose came off. Where can I purchase these little clips from?
I see lots of them online but I cannot tell what style this was. It came off in chunks broken off.
Tester
Really? You can’t think of anyplace to buy Ford automobile parts?
The Ford dealer, your basic auto parts store, RockAuto., Amazon…
As for size, lemme guess… 10mm is most likely.
I think (?) the last time I needed one, it just came in a bubble pack as a Ford “assortment” right off the rack at a big box auto parts store. The assortment part just meant there were several types and I had to find the right one, and didn’t need the rest.
