Fuel Line Failure/Non Start Condition

[motoken]

I did a lot of work on the car this weekend, and while working on the rear, I got to thinking that maybe while I am in here, I'd change out the fuel filter. One step was to clamp off the line from the tank to the fuel pump. Well, I noticed that line was a little mushy/out of sorts. I continued trying to attack the fuel filter and determined that what should be a simple task is way, way beyond my skill set (read that frustration to patience ratio--open to suggestions on how to tackle this). Anyway, after I gave up on the fuel filer, i unclamped the hose. Went to start the car, and I could not get it started. I decided i needed to examine that small out of sorts hose, and sure enough, the interior was disintegrating. I replaced the hose, and still the car will not run. Right now I suspect I killed the fuel pump (maybe it ingested the little pieces of disintegrated hose) and will likely replace that next. Thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Tom]

I am just finishing changing my fuel pump, filter, tank screen, and hoses. I opted to remove my transmission cooler too, to make it easier to get to the filter hoses. What problems are you having? To get the connections off, use two open end wrenches that you can squeeze together -- one on the filter counter-hold hex and one on the threaded fitting.

Unless the hose is virtually new, I never use those clamps on hoses -- they crush and damage the hose unless it's in very very good condition. I just run the tank almost empty and drain it.

Does it sputter or anything? What else did you do to the car over the weekend? Any chance it's something else? Have you checked at the fuel rail to see if there's any gas in it? If you crank it a while and then take the cap off the end of the rail, does fuel come out?

[motoken]

Live and learn right...
That hose I clamped was likely the original (40 years old). The interior of it basically turned to dust, and I feel like that could not have been good for the fuel pump. I have not tried the other trouble shooting steps yo mention, and will give them all a shot.
As for the fuel filter, it was the location of the cooler that makes it a really tough job. Trying to get wrenches on the nuts, plus the amount of torque required to break them. How hard is it to remove the trans cooler?
Thanks!
Ken

[whalenlg]

FWIW, I was able to replace the fuel filter without touching the oil cooler lines. Kroil is helpful to loosen the hardware.

[Tom]

FWIW, I was able to replace the fuel filter without touching the oil cooler lines. Kroil is helpful to loosen the hardware.

Yes, for sure, most people do. I was opting to change all the hoses too and couldn't remember the last time I changed the tranny fluid, so just seemed like the thing to do. Of course I also stripped and powder coated its brackets and the fuel pump covers, so I'm very skilled at turning small jobs into big jobs

Getting the cooler off isn't hard. Drain the tranny fluid, then remove two Allen head screws holding the cooler to its bracket, then loosen the m8 fasteners holding the little clips on both ends of the cooler. With that, the ends will slide out and the cooler can be set aside. It will be full of fluid, so will drizzle your garage floor if not careful (ask me how I know). You'll want to order new orings to install when you put it back together, and new tranny fluid. I'll take some pictures later today or tomorrow and add more details....

[Robbi]

Sounds like the disintegrated hose debris might have clogged the fuel pump or filter. Try checking the pump’s inlet and outlet for blockages. If the pump isn’t priming (no humming sound when you turn the key), it could be dead from debris or strain. Replacing the pump is a good next step just make sure the new hose is clean and secure. Double-check fuel pressure if you can.

[motoken]

Robbi,
i think you were right. After replacing all the rubber hoses back there, as well as the pump and filter, the car started right up. Good piece of mind as well.

Of note, i found it much easier to get the fuel filter off/on by removing everything from the car and reassembling as a unit before final install. Can get a lot of tourque on those fitting that way.

Thanks all for the help!

Ken