Fuel Line Coupler: Description and Operation

Three different types of fuel tube push-connect fittings are used.

1. Spring lock couplings:

- are used on all vehicles to connect the fuel and vapor return tubes to the fuel injection supply manifold at the engine.

- use special, methanol- or ethanol-compatible 0-rings on flexible fuel vehicles.

- require Spring Lock Coupling Disconnect Tool D87L-9280-A or D87L-9280-B or equivalent to remove and install.

- have a redundant horseshoe shaped retaining clip/tether to improve retaining reliability.

2. Hairpin-clip, push-connect fittings on unleaded fuel vehicles:

- consist of a nylon body, 0-rings and hairpin-type retaining clip.

- are used at fuel tank inlet and outlet tubes at the fuel pump module, fuel filter inlet and outlet.

- need no tool for removal.

3. Fuel vapor tube push-connect fittings:

- consist of a nylon body on a stainless steel or nylon tube, 0-ring and a squeeze-lock retainer.

- are used on all vehicles.

- can be removed by hand by squeezing connector to disconnect. No tool is needed for removal.

- are used on evaporative emission tubes at the evaporative emission tube shut off valve, purge line connection and evaporative emissions canister (EVAP canister).