Finally got that tricky F150 purge valve done in 20 minutes flat

Had a 2015 F150 come in with the hard start and rough idle, knew it was the purge valve but the line was seized on. Instead of fighting it forever I hit it with a torch for like 10 seconds and used a pick to pop the clip from underneath. Came right off and saved me an hour of cursing. Anybody else got a quick trick for those plastic evap fittings that won't budge?

3 comments

3 Comments

hollyl2516d ago

Did you spray some penetrating oil on the clip before heating it? Usually I hit those plastic fittings with a little WD-40 or PB Blaster, let it sit for a minute, then the torch loosens the rust without melting the plastic too much. Keeps the line from snapping off clean and turning a 20 minute job into a afternoon of hell.

charlescraig16d ago

Man that's exactly the trick right there. I learned the hard way after snapping off a fuel line clip on my old F150 and that job went from an hour to basically the whole weekend. WD-40 (or even just some generic spray lube) really does make a difference, lets the heat work on the rust instead of turning the plastic into goo. I usually hit it with a little PB Blaster, let it sit while I grab a beer (you know, key step right there), then hit it with the torch for maybe ten seconds tops. The plastic stays flexible and the metal lets go without fighting you. Nothing worse than that awful snap sound when the line breaks clean off, then you're digging through parts bins for a new clip and bleeding brake lines. Yeah, your method is solid advice.

kimr7415d ago

Nothing worse than that awful snap sound" - man, that sound is basically my wallet crying out in pain. I think my truck waits until I'm one beer deep to start making those noises.