fuel filter & return &supply lines

[Bob Ellithorpe]

I just finished changing the fuel filter for the first time and while I was changing the fuel filter I decieded to replace the supply and return line hoses as my truck had acquired a hard starting problem.

In most of the posts I've read,it was somewhat indicated that changing the hoses wasn't all that hard to do - WELLLLLLLL I'm here to tell you that this isn't a very easy thing for a 63 year old driveway mechanic to do!!!

Even after removing the relays from the firewall,removing the two bolts that hold the master cylinder on and swinging it out of the way,you still can't reach the clamps on the lines to remove them. Some of you guys must have the reach of a gazelle because I don't have short arms and I had great difficulty reaching them.

The supply hose was in good shape but,the return line hose was badly cracked and much in need of replacement.

One tip I might pass along to anyone attempting this, is don't disconnect both hoses at the same time. It's very easy to forget which one goes where. I got lucky (50-50 chance )and got them back where they belonged.

Next project is the dowel pin,will remove cover and fashion retaining washer as that way I can check for any loose bolts and have 100% peace of mind.

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Bob Ellithorpe

I just finished changing the fuel filter for the first time and while I was changing the fuel filter I decieded to replace the supply and return line hoses as my truck had acquired a hard starting problem.

In most of the posts I've read,it was somewhat indicated that changing the hoses wasn't all that hard to do - WELLLLLLLL I'm here to tell you that this isn't a very easy thing for a 63 year old driveway mechanic to do!!!

Even after removing the relays from the firewall,removing the two bolts that hold the master cylinder on and swinging it out of the way,you still can't reach the clamps on the lines to remove them. Some of you guys must have the reach of a gazelle because I don't have short arms and iI had great difficulty reaching them.

The supply hose was in good shape but,the return line hose was badly cracked and much in need of replacement.

One tip I might pass along to anyone attempting this, is don't disconnect both hoses at the same time. It's very easy to forget which one goes where. I got lucky (50-50 chance )and got them back where they belonged.

Next project is the dowel pin,will remove cover and fashion retaining washer as that way I can check for any loose bolts and have 100% peace of mind.

Bob, let me know how you make out with your dowl pin project. Just got my parts. Waiting for some good replys on how to remove and install the crankshaft seal.



Bill

 

[Missouri Mule]

Bob,

You need to do that job in a garage or under a tree where you tie one end of rope on rafter/branch the other to your ankles so you can hang up side down in the engine bay. ( if you have a pulley it would even be better)



I stood an step stool and leaned over fender ( or did I sit on the fender?). Removed relays, cowl seal, filter( my master cylinder seemed to have extra long bolts, so it satyed on). Long tedious job.

Glad you made it thru it so you can start/finish your next project.

 

[Joe G.]

A little tip for anyone who is going to do this job the first time. CUT the old clamps off with diagonal pliers. Don't try to save them. Too much work and struggle. One thing I found to help us 63 year old amature mechanics is to make something to stand on. I have a foot high and two foot square plywood bench I made so I could reach things on my 4X4.

 

[Howard Durand]

I just finished replacing mine. I struggled through the job of replacing the supply hose by working from both above and under the truck.

When it became apparent that the return line was the one that really needed replacing, I found that removing the starter and disconnecting the front end of the front drive line (4X4) gave me all the room I needed and even without arms like an orangutan, I could reach all of the clamps. I re-used the clamps since they are much better than the ones you usually get in most of the stores.

I later found a source of the better clamps at Baker Precision on the WEB. They are pricey but a much better design for clamping rubber hoses.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I am used to engine ROOMS, not these tiny cramped engine compartments. I am NOT looking forward to having to mess with anything buried down my firewall