Accumulator, supply & return line replacement

[Ras12]

I purchased new fuel accumulator supply and return lines as well as a new accumulator. I removed the two connections on the top and when I remove the bottom flexible line fuel keeps coming out of the line. I let it go for a while and it keeps leaking fuel so I cannot replace the flex to hard line nor the accumulator. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I believe this line is the return hose correct? Also being that the connections are fuel oriented I assume that here is no need to put thread sealant on the connections correct. Just tighten as tight as possible. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Giamanut]

I purchased new fuel accumulator supply and return lines as well as a new accumulator. I removed the two connections on the top and when I remove the bottom flexible line fuel keeps coming out of the line. I let it go for a while and it keeps leaking fuel so I cannot replace the flex to hard line nor the accumulator. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I believe this line is the return hose correct? Also being that the connections are fuel oriented I assume that here is no need to put thread sealant on the connections correct. Just tighten as tight as possible. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Take your air cleaner off push the sense plate down to relieve pressure. Also if you have pressure in the system when the car is not running then your accumulator is probably working fine.

[Ras12]

Take your air cleaner off push the sense plate down to relieve pressure. Also if you have pressure in the system when the car is not running then your accumulator is probably working fine.

I will try that today. Thank you. I assumed the accumulator was fine as I haven’t had any issues relating to its failure. The problem I was experiencing was a leaking fuel line and based on what I read I had to remove the accumulator anyway to replace the lines so given the tight quarters I figured I should do everything at once.

[Ron]

I purchased new fuel accumulator supply and return lines as well as a new accumulator. I removed the two connections on the top and when I remove the bottom flexible line fuel keeps coming out of the line. I let it go for a while and it keeps leaking fuel so I cannot replace the flex to hard line nor the accumulator. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I believe this line is the return hose correct? Also being that the connections are fuel oriented I assume that here is no need to put thread sealant on the connections correct. Just tighten as tight as possible. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, that would be the return line. It joins the return line from the FD on the way back to the tank. There should be no fuel escaping from the accumulator into the return line, unless its diaphragm is damaged. (Pressing the plate will not relieve pressure in the return lines. It can flood the cylinders.) Since the line runs uphill to the top of the tank then to the bottom of it, you may just need to give it time to empty the hose, or it may be siphoning the tank. If you remove the return line at the pump, any siphoning would stop and the line will empty quickly.

Option, if spills aren't a huge problem (safety/mess/etc.)-
Get a large catch pan and a plug that fits the line (Sorry, I don't remember the size since I keep an assortment on hand.) The system is not vented, so remove the gas cap to relieve any pressure in the tank. Disconnect the line and let it drain into the pan. If it doesn't quit right away, plug it. ...Rinse everything thoroughly!

[Ras12]

Yes, that would be the return line. It joins the return line from the FD on the way back to the tank. There should be no fuel escaping from the accumulator into the return line, unless its diaphragm is damaged. (Pressing the plate will not relieve pressure in the return lines. It can flood the cylinders.) Since the line runs uphill to the top of the tank then to the bottom of it, you may just need to give it time to empty the hose, or it may be siphoning the tank. If you remove the return line at the pump, any siphoning would stop and the line will empty quickly.

Option, if spills aren't a huge problem (safety/mess/etc.)-
Get a large catch pan and a plug that fits the line (Sorry, I don't remember the size since I keep an assortment on hand.) The system is not vented, so remove the gas cap to relieve any pressure in the tank. Disconnect the line and let it drain into the pan. If it doesn't quit right away, plug it. ...Rinse everything thoroughly!

I’m going to have to try this. I removed the air cleaner and propped open the air intake but that didn’t work. See attached photo. If I just open the gas cap that won’t do it? Or do I need to disconnect the return line as well?

To clarify the top two lines are disconnected and the only line that is connected is the bottom return line.

Thanks

Jason

[Giamanut]

Yes, that would be the return line. It joins the return line from the FD on the way back to the tank. There should be no fuel escaping from the accumulator into the return line, unless its diaphragm is damaged. (Pressing the plate will not relieve pressure in the return lines. It can flood the cylinders.) Since the line runs uphill to the top of the tank then to the bottom of it, you may just need to give it time to empty the hose, or it may be siphoning the tank. If you remove the return line at the pump, any siphoning would stop and the line will empty quickly.

Option, if spills aren't a huge problem (safety/mess/etc.)-
Get a large catch pan and a plug that fits the line (Sorry, I don't remember the size since I keep an assortment on hand.) The system is not vented, so remove the gas cap to relieve any pressure in the tank. Disconnect the line and let it drain into the pan. If it doesn't quit right away, plug it. ...Rinse everything thoroughly!

Oh yeah, you are correct of course!

[Ron]

I’m going to have to try this. I removed the air cleaner and propped open the air intake but that didn’t work. See attached photo. If I just open the gas cap that won’t do it? Or do I need to disconnect the return line as well?

To clarify the top two lines are disconnected and the only line that is connected is the bottom return line.

Thanks

JasonNo, but it has been sitting a while, the temp hasn't changed, etc., the tank probably doesn't have pressure. It don't appear to be under any pressure from the pic, to me. And it looks like you can get to it to plug it...

Long version-
If pressure is pushing fuel out of the hose, then releasing the cap will take care of the that. But if the return hose is full when you take it off of the accumulator, it can continue to siphon (slower) until the fuel drains down lower than the tank end of the hose. That be the case, if you take it loose at the fuel tank, air will go into both ends where you separated it (down into tank & the other end of the return line at the accumulator), and stop the siphon... Otherwise, it is just what's uphill in the return hose(s) draining.

Get an extra cup. :smile:

[DMC-81]

I purchased new fuel accumulator supply and return lines as well as a new accumulator. I removed the two connections on the top and when I remove the bottom flexible line fuel keeps coming out of the line. I let it go for a while and it keeps leaking fuel so I cannot replace the flex to hard line nor the accumulator. Am I missing something or doing something wrong? I believe this line is the return hose correct? Also being that the connections are fuel oriented I assume that here is no need to put thread sealant on the connections correct. Just tighten as tight as possible. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi. this happened to me when I replaced my accumulator. As Ron mentioned, the fuel is siphoning out of the fuel tank. I blew some compressed air up through the end of the return line where the fuel was coming out and that broke the siphon.

[Ron]

+1 ...make sure you leave the gas cap is off!

[Ras12]

Ok, so I disconnected the return line and opened the cap and presto the hose stopped leaking. Thanks again to all who guided me through this. I then replaced the hoses and the accumulator, tightened all the clamps and the connections s and everything looked fantastic (besides the cuts on my hands). I even was able to zip tie one of the front feeds up high so it didn’t interfere with any of the linkages in the area. I reconnected the return feed, put the cap back on, cranked her over and BAM...the hard connection to the accumulator is leaking again (that was the original problem). I cleaned out the “L” shaped connection and made sure I tightened the crap out of it. Upon inspecting it is did notice a small round metal o-ring type of metal around the connection to the accumulator but that doesn’t seem to be leaking. It appears to be coming from the connection between the hardline and the “L” shaped connector. See the attached photos with drip shown in the first one. Anyone experience this as well? Any “deep thoughts by Jack Handy?” (Ok I’m showing my age but I’m still not that old!! If you cannot help with this leak then What 80’s show is that reference from? Ha!

[Ras12]

After the last post I came inside the house, kids were all asleep and so was my wife so it was me and the dog. I was going to wash the fuel off my hands and as a last ditch effort I went back out, tightened the hardline connection to the “L” Shaped connector one more time, turned the key on to get the fuel pump going and no leak. I gave her another push tight and then started her up for a few seconds and...no leak! It is too dark out but tomorrow I plan on pulling her out of the garage and letting her run on dry pavement and see if she behaves. If so I will take her to work and hopefully she won’t wet her pants anymore! With that being said I’m still not in the clear until tomorrow but for now it is time for a little mindless TV in the quiet house. Ha!

[Ron]

LOL- That would be SNL! (...and I'd bet I'm older than you.)
I'll still reply about the leak. Sometimes flair fittings in general have been tightened too much and you have to crank down on them to get them to quit leaking afterwards. Sometimes it breaks and sometimes you are lucky. I have had good luck loosening them and repositioning a tiny bit first. BUT, if it has stopped leaking now, leave it, check it a few times later, then forget it, imho.

[David T]

Those lines are steel and take a LOT more effort to make them deform and seal than brass compression fittings. You do have to really crank on them. That is why it is so important to "hold back" and not twist the lines, very easy and tempting to do but you can't allow that to happen. Same thing by the fuel filter. Keep an eye on those connections for a little while till you are completely certain they are not leaking.