Without getting into what an idiot I am, I need to repair/replace the red fuel fitting on an 08 fuel pump. I've read all the great information available here and on other boards and it looks like there is a reasonable non-factory repair. However, I'm also going to see if I can get a replacement part from the importer of the fitting. My question is, has anyone successfully pressed a replacement fitting back into the fuel pump? I can imagine that it might be a considerable challenge to rig up the necessary fixtures and tools in order to accurately and carefully press one of these fittings into the pump housing. And even if it can be done, I'd still be left with a plastic POS that could break again! So, as I write this, I'm convincing myself that it's best to just bite the bullet and go the tap and thread route with a real metal fitting! Now that I know what I'm going to do, it's only a matter of assembling the parts and tools. Thanks.
I need to take a quick poll. I've found out that I can get a replacement for the plastic fuel connector at a cost of $42. I've also ordered parts to convert the connection to a metal fitting. While I initially convinced myself that converting to a metal connection is the right thing to do, there is risk that I'll screw it up - but then there's also a risk that I'd mess up pressing in a new plasitc part too. So, might it be worth the effort to stay with the plastic fitting or just make the switch to metal? What do you think?
You could send your FI unit to George @ Uptite and he'll fix it with a metal fitting. I'm not sure if he got the kits (which would include a tap, directions and parts) ready or not. call him. 1 714 540-2920
Unfortunatley, I don't have much time. I'm heading out to Utah the 16th and don't want to take a chance on not being able to turn it around quick enough. However, I will give him a call - if he has a kit made up, that would certainly help. Although, I did go on Jegs.com and buy about one of every type of 3/8's NPT fuel fitting that looked like it might work... Ultimately, I plane on converting everything to AN fittings with new in-line quick disconnets. If' there any good to be had, I'm glad I broke it now and not next weekend! Dan
Yep, I broke the red fitting the first time I checked the valves. I replaced it with the Sherco White plactic replacement and never looked back. 8 Valve checks later, removing the tank each time, it still goes strong and does not leak. I gave Dan and Ann at Motoexotica the part number and the importer for the fitting part number. I think they can get it within a few days? If you decide to do the brass fitting and tap deal, just be sure to use fuel line rated for high pressures. Good Luck
Easier than drilling and tapping it. No photos, but bear with me. If you do not have any pliers with soft jaws, take two paper towels and wrap one around each of the jaws. I used black electrical tape to hold the towels. The towels are only there to protect the fitting. Next place a 2x4 about 6" to 2', don't matter how long as long as it is in front of the fittings where the 90 degree bend is where they leave the pump housing. Grab broken fitting with pliers while positioning the nose or tip of the pliers on the 2x4. Grab the end of the pliers handle and lift. The fitting will come out. It may take some effort, but it will give. Your pliers should be on the same plane, or parallel with the fitting. Once you have the fitting out, clean the socket on the fuel pumpwhere the fitting goes into. If there are any burs, smooth only the burs with ultrafine sandpaper or emery cloth. To install the new fitting, place the fitting in the socket of the fuel pump. At a 90 degree angle to the fitting (so you and pushing straight down with the pliers) place the tip of the pliers so that the jaws have the fitting between them, and the tip of the pliers are resting on the base of the fitting that will be flush with the pump when installed. While holding the handle of the pliers, gently tap the end of the pliers with a hammer. A few strikes, and your done. It took me longer to type this than it would have taken to replace 4 fittings if that makes sense.
I'm curious, If you replace the fitting with something else. Either Tap and thread a metal fitting or other route, I assume you need to replace the quick disconnect fuel line also?
Yep, it gets replaced with a rubber hose and hose clamps. If you replace the plastic fitting with the sherco (factory) replacement fitting, nothing else needs to be changed