How do I remove this fuel line?

[Calciumrich]

Hello. I am currently working on my 2006 Jeep Wrangler X. I have a bad fuel pump, so I took off 3 of the seven fuel tank skid plate bolts. The others had to be removed with a grinder, as they were seized and the carriage bolts up inside the frame were spinning freely. I have some nutserts on the way, so that I can re mount the skid plate.
My dilemma right now seems to be removing one of the two fuel lines. The first one (green in color) was easily removed. The second (blue) as pictured seems to be giving me a lot of trouble. I’ve done everything I can to remove this, squeezed the plastic clips on either side, used a screw driver to carefully help depress the clips etc, to no avail. Any help on removing this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[someguysjeep]

the clip or blue and green things should remain in the tubing, they are removable but usually once the hard line is freed.

any auto parts store has a goofy tool for a few bucks thats works on them, clamp it around push it in and it'll release the hard line.

if the blue or the green tabs get mangled they sell those too.

 

[pagrey]

It helps to see how the clip works, you have to push the whole thing gently together then press on the back clips gently so the front inner sections pry out. You might have to help those inner tabs out though the slot. The red is where it grabs the line. Often people push so hard it collapses the blue part so both sections push inward instead of pivoting.

 

[someguysjeep]

It helps to see how the clip works, you have to push the whole thing gently together then press on the back clips gently so the front inner sections pry out. You might have to help those inner tabs out though the slot. The red is where it grabs the line. Often people push so hard it collapses the blue part so both sections push inward instead of pivoting.

View attachment 317749

ya it's not the right tool but you west coast guys are spoiled. look at that undercarriage and tell me the OP's not lucky they didn't break to pieces. that blue connection looks worked pretty good already, i didn't figure there was enough shape left to make it work now.

 

[pagrey]

ya it's not the right tool

I think I busted half my horseshoe style clips. At a certain point the clip is removed by whatever means it takes and you buy a new one, I didn't mean to suggest the tool was a bad idea or anything like that.

 

[Irun]

Tools like this are an invaluable resource when removing these type of disconnects

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYV9DRY/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[97' 4 Popper]

It's been a while since I did this job but I think you squeeze the blue tab then while squeezing the tab you pull the black tab/fuel line forward first, then pull back.

I have a 2006 as well and the gas tank skid just uses retaining clips with the carriage bolts and nuts, not nutserts. It could be possible that a previous owner installed nutserts.

 

[P man]

Hold on I need a tetanus shot..

 

[ItchyDong]

You can also use a modified sharpie cap in a pinch.

 

[Calciumrich]

Thanks for the help. I have a set of good pliers specifically for removing these, however they aren’t working. I’ve been playing with this for the last day or two. Very frustrating. In response to the nutserts, there’s no way I can get a set of carriage bolts up into the frame to reinstall the skid plate, so my next best option is a modification using nutserts. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I’d be happy to hear. Yes, lots of rust being up here in New England, but the frame is still solid. I’m planning a complete restoration of the Jeep very soon and she will be garaged in the winter months.

 

[williambmac]

Is the line with the blue clip metal or plastic. I have had quite a few where the metal lines will rust/swell inside the plastic coupler and will not release.
You can buy repair ends/kits at your local Autoparts store.

 

[97' 4 Popper]

Thanks for the help. I have a set of good pliers specifically for removing these, however they aren’t working. I’ve been playing with this for the last day or two. Very frustrating. In response to the nutserts, there’s no way I can get a set of carriage bolts up into the frame to reinstall the skid plate, so my next best option is a modification using nutserts. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I’d be happy to hear. Yes, lots of rust being up here in New England, but the frame is still solid. I’m planning a complete restoration of the Jeep very soon and she will be garaged in the winter months.

Many people use nutserts instead, it is a good option. But you should be able to reach the rear 4 and front 2 bolt holes to put in new carriage bolts into the frame crossmember. There's only the one lonely carriage bolt off to the side that's impossible to reach from the top without a body lift or something.

My only advice if you are still stuck on the line is try to get back to your original position and then try pulling out. In your picture it looks like the plastic/flex fuel line is coming out at a bad angle. Don't be afraid to break the blue tab they make replacements.

Is the line with the blue clip metal or plastic. I have had quite a few where the metal lines will rust/swell inside the plastic coupler and will not release.
You can buy repair ends/kits at your local Autoparts store.

I can see how that would cause a problem but his line looks fairly clean. He almost has the thing out

 

[Calciumrich]

Is the line with the blue clip metal or plastic. I have had quite a few where the metal lines will rust/swell inside the plastic coupler and will not release.
You can buy repair ends/kits at your local Autoparts store.

Yes, plastic clips. That’s exactly what happened.

 

[TheRock]

I too just recently did this to fix the issue with the fuel pump continually shutting off while trying to fill up. Glad to see you got it, as it was a real PITA!

 

[Calciumrich]

Thanks for all the advice in helping me. I ended up having to cut the plastic clip out to remove the fuel line connector. I purchased a replacement fuel line connector at my local auto parts store. Hopefully everything goes back on ok. I’ll be using a flange kit to get the new connector attached. Thanks again everyone.

 

[someguysjeep]

if all you damaged was the clips you don't need any special tools, they just push together.

 

[roverhi]

It's been a while since I did this job but I think you squeeze the blue tab then while squeezing the tab you pull the black tab/fuel line forward first, then pull back.

I have a 2006 as well and the gas tank skid just uses retaining clips with the carriage bolts and nuts, not nutserts. It could be possible that a previous owner installed nutserts.

It helps to see how the clip works, you have to push the whole thing gently together then press on the back clips gently so the front inner sections pry out. You might have to help those inner tabs out though the slot. The red is where it grabs the line. Often people push so hard it collapses the blue part so both sections push inward instead of pivoting.

View attachment 317749

Hello. I am currently working on my 2006 Jeep Wrangler X. I have a bad fuel pump, so I took off 3 of the seven fuel tank skid plate bolts. The others had to be removed with a grinder, as they were seized and the carriage bolts up inside the frame were spinning freely. I have some nutserts on the way, so that I can re mount the skid plate.
My dilemma right now seems to be removing one of the two fuel lines. The first one (green in color) was easily removed. The second (blue) as pictured seems to be giving me a lot of trouble. I’ve done everything I can to remove this, squeezed the plastic clips on either side, used a screw driver to carefully help depress the clips etc, to no avail. Any help on removing this would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 317716

Can't get the fuel lines off. Do I need to push on the green clip by the blue arrow??? That and the other all grey quick disconnect won't budge no matter what or how I squeeze or push on the connector. About ready to get out the old Spyderco and lop off the connectors If I could be assured there is enough free hose to splice them back together and replacement connectors are available.

 

[NskLJ]

Tools like this are an invaluable resource when removing these type of disconnects

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XYV9DRY/?tag=wranglerorg-20

That’s a nice set but none of those are for that clip.just need to clean up any debris at the clip. Post the line in and puts the tabs down to release. The main goal do not break the plastic end on the hose.

 

[97' 4 Popper]

View attachment 440025
Can't get the fuel lines off. Do I need to push on the green clip by the blue arrow??? That and the other all grey quick disconnect won't budge no matter what or how I squeeze or push on the connector. About ready to get out the old Spyderco and lop off the connectors If I could be assured there is enough free hose to splice them back together and replacement connectors are available.

View attachment 440019

View attachment 440027

View attachment 440028

Don't cut them off! Spray a light amount of kroil on the connector, press the colored tabs (green/blue whatever) in, then pull the black line all the way forward towards the colored tab, then pull back both color and black tab. That is how I remember I did it but it has been a couple years. Once you figure it out it will be like a piece of cake.