Grime Encrusted...Need Help
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: West Sacramento CA
Grime Encrusted...Need Help
first - this is a follow up to my previous misadventures (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ight=xcstanley)
now trying to avoid any further damage to anything so i dont end up just working my way through the whole fuel system breaking one piece back at a time (though i'd probably learn alot) i'd like some help on how to get the fuel line apart from the pump.
i got under the car and tried to loosen the nut but i couldnt get it to budge just like i couldnt get the two pieces apart before. (sidenote: they are still together, i dont have the propane torch suggested previously)
i am looking for any ideas on how to get this apart. is the problem all the grime that is all over it and could possible have stuck them together and there is someway to clean it off and make it easy? or is it just that its all old and stuck and i need to try something like obtaining a propane torch? Thanks for your help in advance.
-Mechanically Challenged
now trying to avoid any further damage to anything so i dont end up just working my way through the whole fuel system breaking one piece back at a time (though i'd probably learn alot) i'd like some help on how to get the fuel line apart from the pump.
i got under the car and tried to loosen the nut but i couldnt get it to budge just like i couldnt get the two pieces apart before. (sidenote: they are still together, i dont have the propane torch suggested previously)
i am looking for any ideas on how to get this apart. is the problem all the grime that is all over it and could possible have stuck them together and there is someway to clean it off and make it easy? or is it just that its all old and stuck and i need to try something like obtaining a propane torch? Thanks for your help in advance.
-Mechanically Challenged
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I would first spray it down with some degreaser or brake cleaner or something like that. Then give it a spray of PB Blaster or some other penetrating oil. Let it sit for a few hours and soak in. Then use the Flare Nut wrench as suggested above.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Looks like it is in very good shape. 
Use everyone elses suggestions, but in addition use a long flat punch or whatever to give the flat side of the nut a few good wacks with a hammer. Don't damage it.
Usually a good wack will free most fasteners.
Use everyone elses suggestions, but in addition use a long flat punch or whatever to give the flat side of the nut a few good wacks with a hammer. Don't damage it.
Usually a good wack will free most fasteners.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Covington, Virginia
Scrubbing Bubbles!!!
You know, the bathroom cleaner!! that will "gently" take care of the most of the grime and stuff...2 applications may be necessary.
Easy-Off oven cleaner will also help with the greasiest part of it and will loosen some of the crud on the outermost threads. Don't forget...Easy-Off is NOT good on exposed skin or painted surfaces....
good luck..
You know, the bathroom cleaner!! that will "gently" take care of the most of the grime and stuff...2 applications may be necessary.
Easy-Off oven cleaner will also help with the greasiest part of it and will loosen some of the crud on the outermost threads. Don't forget...Easy-Off is NOT good on exposed skin or painted surfaces....
good luck..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Yea, clean it up then work on it. Get a Large container of simple green or purple power and spray it down liberally and then use a pressure washer to clean it off. The thing is not stuck because of the grime, its just old and stuck. Like Big_G says use a Line Wrench, nothing else on that line nut. Getting on the brass elbow with a open end wrench will be tough, not much room in there, but thats the first thing to try. wrenching on it without backup WILL break it. If you have the supply line off and the line disconnected at the carb, you MIGHT be able to pull the fuel pump with the line on it, be worth a try.
Oh, and forget about the propane torch idea. Fire + Fuel means big fuggin boom
Oh, and forget about the propane torch idea. Fire + Fuel means big fuggin boom
TheCorvetteBen
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,987
Likes: 144
From: Van Alstyne, TX
Scrubbing Bubbles!!!
You know, the bathroom cleaner!! that will "gently" take care of the most of the grime and stuff...2 applications may be necessary.
Easy-Off oven cleaner will also help with the greasiest part of it and will loosen some of the crud on the outermost threads. Don't forget...Easy-Off is NOT good on exposed skin or painted surfaces....
good luck..
You know, the bathroom cleaner!! that will "gently" take care of the most of the grime and stuff...2 applications may be necessary.
Easy-Off oven cleaner will also help with the greasiest part of it and will loosen some of the crud on the outermost threads. Don't forget...Easy-Off is NOT good on exposed skin or painted surfaces....
good luck..
Always works for me
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From: Chattanooga TN
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
I prefer a flat-jawed Vice-grip over flare wrenches to break the nut loose.
When putting back together, lube the nut with light grease and DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: West Sacramento CA
so i got a flare nut wrench, i cleaned up the area some and tried to lube it up some with no luck. i hit it with a hammer some, but beside getting out some frustration, it didnt help any either. i'll go and get some scrubbin bubbles tomorrow i guess and try that. i'd really like any other suggestions you might have, this is a major thorn in my side right now since i have the new line i just need to get this old one out of the way.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
so i got a flare nut wrench, i cleaned up the area some and tried to lube it up some with no luck. i hit it with a hammer some, but beside getting out some frustration, it didnt help any either. i'll go and get some scrubbin bubbles tomorrow i guess and try that. i'd really like any other suggestions you might have, this is a major thorn in my side right now since i have the new line i just need to get this old one out of the way.
Well why didn't you say so .
1-Just cut the line off with some side cutters and use a 6point deep socket and ratchet to loosen.
2-Or after cutting you will have room to undo the brass 90 from the pump.
3-Or before or after cutting, you can probably remove the complete pump if carefull and bench work it.
I know it's tight under there, but after all this is brass meeting steel. It's a lot easier than stell and steel.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Use a good adjustable wrench to hold the brass fitting [so there is no torque on the fuel pump housing]. Do the PB Blaster "thing", then TIGHTEN the hex nut just a touch. Now try to loosen it. Never saw one that didn't come loose. (Maybe an extra bowl of Wheaties in the morning! ) Good luck!
) Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I am glad to read that others have already corrected the error of using a propane torch on the stuck fuel line nut. Can you imagine what would happen if the nut suddenly moved and gas spewed out??
kdf
kdf
