Author Topic: Tricks of the Trade?  (Read 2126 times)

Harry

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Tricks of the Trade?
« on: April 14, 2020, 13:56:48 »
Whew.  I am having a really difficult time trying to loosen a fitting on the main fuel line feeding the fuel injection pump.  This is the fitting at the line from the fuel pump at the tank (I expect) that connects to a rubber flex line that connects to the injection pump.  I removed the rubber flex line when I pulled the engine and I have a new line to replace it with now that the engine is installed.

The problem is that the hose fitting on the line from the fuel pump is absolutely frozen to the line.  I have soaked it with PB Blaster, Kroil ,etc. as well as added a lot of heat but it remains seized.  Part of the problem is that there is little or no surface to tap on the try to free it, and I'm afraid to twist it any harder for fear of kinking the steel line.

Assuming that I'm not the first victim of this situation, what are some tricks of the trade you might recommend for freeing this fitting?  (I'd like to not have to replace the line if I can avoid it.)

Thanks,
Harry
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

Harry

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2020, 22:39:05 »
Heat finally worked, and back and forth loading on the fitting.  I placed a piece of aluminum between the fitting and the steering box, then carefully heated the fitting with a torch, watching it very carefully.  Finally it began to free.  I kept working it back and forth with lubricating oil and it eventually freed completely.  Thank goodness!
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

AB

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2020, 15:47:11 »
I'm having the same difficulty but hesitant to use heat as I still have fuel in the line.  If I wanted to cut it off and add a new fitting.  What type of flaring tool is used?

Alan Bremer
Atlanta GA
1970 280SL, Anthracite Grey Metallic, Light Grey Metallic Top
Shed fined not run in ten years.  Acquired in Oct 2015

Harry

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2020, 16:54:10 »
I have no idea.  I also was concerned about the fuel but mine had set open for about 2 years so I was satisfied that any fuel in the line would have been gone.  When I applied the heat, it was directly on the fitting while I was trying to turn the fitting with a wrench.  I was elated, to say the least, when it freed.  I had to keep working it even after then to get it completely free where it could easily be turned by hand.

Good luck with yours!
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

Benz Dr.

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2020, 17:18:19 »
I use a little bit of anti seize on those connections to prevent those sorts of problems.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Harry

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2020, 19:16:00 »
Super idea.
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

Pawel66

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2020, 19:27:23 »
I use a little bit of anti seize on those connections to prevent those sorts of problems.

What shall I use for anti-seize, what is the best? I failed to find anything specific called "anti-seize" on the market...
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class

WRe

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2020, 21:11:24 »
Hi,
anti seize is a assembly paste or fitting grease on basis of copper, ceramic or graphite, e.g. Loctite LB8008 or Weicon Anti Seize. Alternatively you can use copper or ceramic paste.
...WRe

Pawel66

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Re: Tricks of the Trade?
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2020, 22:11:00 »
Thank you!

I have copper grease in the garage...

I will try to locate that Loctite product.
Pawel

280SL 1970 automatic 180G Silver
W128 220SE
W121 190SL
G-class