Really off topic but Im so stuck.

[champdog]

Hi All I know this is off topic but im stuck, I replacing my fuel pump on my 99 Merk cugar and I thought that it would be easyer than it is. Ford made a nice hole under the rear seat so that you can get the pump out with out dropping the tank. Now im stuck I can not get the fuel lines removed, The Chilton says to lift the ring and It popped up then pull the hose off. I don’t think so. I have tried everything Any suggestions or am I a dumm a$$ and missing something. Thanks I will have pics tomarow if needed

[fordman]

i am not sure about that new of a set up. but ford used some different clips that had to be pulle dup before the hose would come off in the 80's. in the early 90's they used a springed oring in side of the male part of the hose. you had to slip a small tool inside of it to get the spring oring to release the hose.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

you need a line disconnect tool

[DGrant09]

Like one of these from Napa? Looks like these work on 4 different size lines.

[TNIceWolf]

I have that tool in my toolbox. Used it in a shop for years and it works pretty well but is often limited by space available.

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

yeah like that. take a picture or the lines you're trying to disconnect there is another type that requires a different tool than that. won't be able to tell without a pic

[knightfire83]

Was searching the question and came up with this regarding a '99 Cougar from wikiAnswers:

"some of the mecury cougars had a recall on their fuel pump..symptoms are you have to keep your gas tank filled at least at half and over or when it gets below half bogging occurs..this is covered for up to 10 years..if your having this problem it can be fixed for free..just go to your ford dealership..i have a 2000 cougar and it had the fuel pump problem. "

And if interested I pulled the recall, looks like the free replacement ends after 2009 for your model year:

1999 Mercury COUGAR Recall ID from NHTSA: 04V421000
Auto Recall Date: 08/30/2004
Vehicle Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 88600

1999 MERCURY COUGAR Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF THE FILTER IN THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE (FDM) CAN REDUCE, AND EVENTUALLY BLOCK, THE FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.

Defect Consequence:
THIS MAY CAUSE ENGINE HESITATION, LOSS OF POWER, SURGING, AND OTHER SIMILAR SYMPTOMS. OVER TIME, THE FILTER MAY BECOME SUFFICIENTLY BLOCKED TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy:
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. ALL OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FDM WITH A NEW DESIGN AT NO CHARGE IF THE OWNER REPORTS THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS ANY OF THE IDENTIFIED SYMPTOMS. THE FREE REPLACEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO MILEAGE LIMIT. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON APRIL 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes: FORD MOTOR COMPANY, 04N02


And from the picture of your pump (FDM- Fuel Delivery Module) I found online it does look like you need the quick disconnect tool every one is mentioning above.

[champdog]

Thanks for the advice. But I have that tool and its not it. I took a pic and its not like the one in the above pic. I went and looked up the vin on the ford web sight and it said that there were no recals. I will check with a dealership tomarow. BUT look at the pick and let me know Thanks

1017091327.jpg

1017091327.jpg

[TheEskimo]

I think some of those Cougars used a "Walbro"(I think that is what they are called) style fuel pump, if so I just did the same style pump in my '85 T-Bird. If that is the case, you don't remove those lines that are shown in the pic. You would need to pull the lock ring off from around there and the whole thing lifts up, then you can get to the pump. If that is the case, then it will have a small section of regular fuel line in there to replace, as well as two wire connectors and a filter screen.

[fordman]

maybe they are twist and pull off of the red and white connector.

[knightfire83]

Here's the recall from Ford in a PDF file, might want to take it to the dealer with you:
http://www.autosafety.org/uploads/phpWu ... Dealer.pdf

Here's a tutorial from AutoZone on replacing the fuel pump:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/repair ... 52800a8b90

CAUTION
The fuel injection system remains under pressure, even after the engine has been turned OFF. The fuel system pressure MUST BE relieved before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or personal injury.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Relieve the fuel pressure using the following procedure:
--- 1. Open the fuel tank filler cap to vent off pressure in the tank.

--- 2. Remove the air cleaner assembly.

--- 3. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure relief valve located on the fuel rail.

--- 4. Open the manual valve on the fuel pressure gauge and drain the fuel through the drain tube into a suitable container.

--- 5. Remove the fuel pressure gauge.

--- 6. Secure the fuel fill cap and install the air cleaner assembly.



3. Remove the rear seat cushion.

4. Remove the plastic grommet from the floor pan.

5. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical harness.

6. Disconnect the fuel lines from the fuel pump by compressing the tabs on both sides of each nylon push connect fitting and easing the fuel line off of the fuel pump.



Fig. Fig. 4: View of fuel pump fittings through the floorpan



Fig. Fig. 5: Remove the locking ring from the fuel pump sender with a special wrench such as Fuel Tank Sender Wrench D84P-9275-A

7. Using Fuel Tank Sender Wrench D84P-9275-A or equivalent, turn the fuel pump locking ring counterclockwise to loosen the ring.
A drift punch or a screwdriver or other tool can be used to disengage the fuel pump locking ring, the special tool is not required.

8. Remove the fuel pump locking ring.

9. Remove the fuel pump being careful not to damage the fuel gauge sending unit.

10. Place a shop towel over the opening in the fuel tank to prevent dirt from contaminating the fuel.



To install:

11. Remove the shop towel over the opening in the fuel tank and clean the groove for the fuel pump seal. Be careful not to allow dirt to enter the fuel tank.

12. Apply a light coat of grease onto a new O-ring seal and install into the groove of the fuel tank.

13. Carefully install the fuel pump into the tank to prevent damage to the fuel gauge sender or the fuel pick-up filter.

It is recommended that the in-line fuel filter be replaced whenever a fuel pump is being replaced.

14. Ensure that the flange of the fuel pump mounting plate is located properly in its keyway and that the O-ring has not shifted out of position.

15. Keep a light downward pressure on the fuel pump while installing the fuel pump locking retainer ring.

16. Install the ring ensuring that all of the locking tabs are under the fuel tank lock ring tabs. Turn the ring clockwise finger-tight.

17. Install the fuel tank sender wrench or equivalent, over the retainer ring and finish tightening until the retainer ring is resting against its stops.

18. Reconnect the fuel lines to the fuel pump.

19. Reinstall the fuel pump electrical harness connector.

20. Reinstall the plastic grommet into the floorpan.

21. Reinstall the rear seat cushion.

22. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

23. Start the engine and check for leaks and proper operation.