CSV removal

[280sl1968]

I'm having difficulty removing the fuel line from my CSV.

The nut attached to the fuel line screws onto a threaded fitting that in turn screws into the CSV body.

Both the nut and fitting are unscrewing as one but the metal fuel line is also twisting with it, so I can do nothing without putting a kink in the metal pipe.

Given the proximity to fuel, I don't want to use heat.

Any ideas how I can get it free?

David

[jameshoward]

Had mine off today, funnily enough. Can't you use two spanners on it to break the seal? It's probably just a bit stiff. And I wouldn't use heat either.

[Benz Dr.]

Common problem with an easy solultion. You need to double wrench it. You will need two 17 mm end wrenches - place one on the gland nut on the fuel line and the other on the fitting that goes ino the CSV. Hold one wrench steady and turn the gland nut loose on the fuel line. I expect that there's some rust around the threads which made the fitting on the CSV turn before the gland nut came loose.  

If you apply enough force you can twist small fuel lines to the point that they collapse or twist completly in two. Double wrenching is a common proceedure used in all kinds of applications and in particular around pipes and fittings where one componet has to remain stationary while the other turns.  

[280sl1968]

That's exactly what is happening Dan. Fortunately I noticed that the fuel line was twisting before too much harm was done.

I tried two wrenches/spanners and there is no budging them.

I have put some WD40 on them overnight to see if it helps loosen things.

David

[jameshoward]

Get some Plus Gas, then soak it and try again. WD 40 is pretty useless compared to some other penetrating fluids.

But Dan's right (he said it better than I did!) It will come apart eventually.

[280sl1968]

I finally took my frustration out on it and gave one final pull with two wrenches. I thought the wrenches had slipped because I also lost half my knuckles in the process, but it was enough to release the fittings. My delicate office worker hands need toughening up anyway.

Let's see if I can fix that CSV leak now.


David

[jameshoward]

Well done!

I have found over the years - and after watching some real ninjas - that you can be quite brutal with these cars without breaking too much. Except your mitts.