Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) fuel line thingy

[Ncostello]

I've searched everything "fuel"... and there is alot. But I was unable to find my answer. The supply fuel line runs along the frame and is steel as we all know. It then turns into rubber covered plastic as it travels up towards the lift pump (OEM location). It then turns into a banjo fitting at the lift pump. However, what is that connector deal on the plastic line up towards the lift pump. Is that some sort of "fast" disconnect or ??? I am trying to locate and eliminate any kind of areas that could possibly be a source of air leaks on the suction side. Leaks on the pressure side would be evident but maybe not always on the suction side.



On another note, is the line out of the tank a plastic one, and then turns into steel along the frame?? If so, how does the plastic line connect to the tank?? I didn't know and cant see if the top of the fuel tank has a fitting for a replacement line to connect too. If I were to replace the entire fuel supply line up to the lift pump, I want to know how far back I can go. If I can go all the way back to the top of the tank and make a connection there, I'll drop it and do that. Right now, all I can see is the steel section of the supply line which disappears between the tank and frame. (mines a short bed, dont know if long beds are different)

 

[Whitmore]

Neil, that connection at the l/p is just a quick connect just before the banjo.



If you opt to installe a new line to the top of the tank you will have to drop it, go to your dealer and look at a truck with no bed to see the details.





cheers, Kevin

 

[kaffine krazed]

The blue piece of plastic between the liftpump and the flexable fuel line is a quick disconnect. There is one on the fuel tank as well there is a section of plastic hose going to the fuel tank module and there is a quick disconnect on the module like the one at the lift pump. I'm not sure about the short bed I never really pay attention to that kind of thing when I'm working on a truck but you should be able to disconnect the lines without droping the tank it's not easy but doable. You have to squeeze the tabs that stick out past the flexible line then pull the line off it is not easy at the fuel tank because you dont have much room and the line wants to cock to one side making it difficult to remove if your not famillair with the quick disconnects I would start with the one at the lift pump to learn how they come apart before attempting the one at the tank. You should be able to see and get to the fuel tank module to disconnect the lines by looking between the frame rail and the bed.



Do you think you have a air leak on the suction side? There are ways to test for air in the fuel. Get a fuel test guage that has a release hose and hook it up to one of the test fittings start the truck the push the button to release the fuel pressure you will get some air at first then it should have a solid supply of fuel with out air bubbles. Another way would be to install a clear flexable line there should be a section of flexable hose between the fuel filter and the VP-44 or between the lift pump and the fuel filter. Get enough cleas hose to run it up so you can watch it with the engine running.

 

[krs]

"go to your dealer and look at a truck with no bed to see the details".



That's a darned good idea, Kevin, and one I never thought of. I'm going to do just that and take a digital camera with me to photograph everything I can't see from underneath.



-Ken

 

[Ncostello]

That is a good idea, but I'll have to search dealers to find a cab/chassis... and I hope they still have 2002's on the lot around somewhere close. Is anyone sure if the 03's have the same OEM tank and pickup assembly/hoses back there?? That might make it easier.