Fuel lines and fittings — general information and disconnection
1. Relieve the fuel pressure before ser- vicing fuel lines or fittings (see Fuel pressure relief procedure). Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems) before proceeding.
2. The fuel supply line connects the fuel pump in the fuel tank to the fuel rail on the engine. The Evaporative Emissions Control (EVAP) system lines connect the fuel tank to the EVAP canister and connect the canister to the intake manifold.
3. Whenever you’re working under the vehicle, be sure to inspect all fuel and evaporative emission lines for leaks, kinks, dents and other damage. Always replace a damaged fuel or EVAP line immediately.
4. If you find signs of dirt in the lines during disassembly, disconnect all lines and blow them out with compressed air. Inspect the fuel strainer on the fuel pump pick-up unit for damage and deterioration.
Steel tubing
5. It is critical that the fuel lines be replaced with lines of equivalent type and specification.
6. Some steel fuel lines have threaded fittings. When loosening these fittings, hold the stationary fitting with a wrench while turning the tube nut.
Plastic tubing
7. When replacing fuel system plastic tubing, use only original equipment replacement plastic tubing.
Caution: When removing or installing plastic fuel line tubing, be careful not to bend or twist it too much, which can damage it. Also, plastic fuel tubing is NOT heat resistant, so keep it away from excessive heat.
Flexible hoses
8. When replacing fuel system flexible hoses, use only original equipment replacements.
9. Don’t route fuel hoses (or metal lines) within four inches of the exhaust system or within ten inches of the catalytic converter. Make sure that no rubber hoses are installed directly against the vehicle, particularly in places where there is any vibration. If allowed to touch some vibrating part of the vehicle, a hose can easily become chafed and it might start leaking. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum of 1/4-inch clearance around a hose (or metal line) to prevent contact with the vehicle underbody.