How do I properly remove the fuel return hose?

[lsoasey]

I made some progress last night with the re-installation of a rebuilt fuel distributor and its associated SS fuel lines. I ran into a minor (hopefully) difficulty near the end of my work session with the fitting for the fuel return hose on the passenger side of the fuel distributor. See the following image for reference:

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I wan't able to get it to budge at all... I also was reluctant to mess with this too much because I was worried about damaging the solid fuel tube. I thought it would be wise to ask for some advice on this before proceeding. Are there any tricks to get this off without damaging the solid tube? This also may sound like a stupid question, but I'll ask it anyway: It looks like there are three places which I could grab with a wrench to rotate. I can't tell which one I should be unscrewing. I realize that I should be using a second wrench to secure the solid tube end to avoid stressing that connection. So, I think that leaves the fitting in the center or the fitting connected to the flexible hose. Perhaps both come loose? And while we are on the topic -- any special advice for installing the new SS hose? (I have the fuel line kit from Hervey.)

Thanks!

[dn010]

You'd be using 2 wrenches, one on the large fitting in the middle and then one on the larger connector on the right side in that picture. The one on the right will unscrew and slide back on the tube. Stagger the wrenches so that you can squeeze them together with one hand in order to loosen the connection and wear gloves!

I might add that sometimes the connection, even though loose, will not come apart because it is a compression connection. If it doesn't come apart, thread the connector from the tube back on to the fitting loosely, and then tap on it with a wrench and it should come loose, then unthread and you're home free - not sure if this is the "right way" or not but it works for me.

[davidc89]

Also, you can spray some PB Blaster around the steel line by the nut. It will help the nut spin freely on the line(in case of corrosion).

[Bitsyncmaster]

That return line fitting on my car was very corroded. I used my air impact and crows foot on it and of course the backup wrench. Make sure you clean all the threads and seats with a wire brush or your new line will leak.....ask me how I know :smile:

[Chris 16409]

Just for a visual...

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However, if Hervey's fuel line has no fitting and you are expected to clamp it onto the existing fuel barb, you'll have to cut off the old hose.

[lsoasey]

Had some more time to work on this tonight... I did finally get the old return hose loose! Thanks for the advice on this one.

I quickly discovered my next problem. Hervey's new SS return hose is too short:

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I've already sent him an email to see if this can be remedied.

[axh174]

*bump*

Any word on completing the connection? I'm actually looking into getting a set of Hervey's stainless lines myself, so I'm curious as to your solution if I encounter a similar issue during installation.

I imagine you could got to a parts store and get a coupler of some sort to span the gap?