1981 242: I'm removing the in-tank fuel pump to replace the little hose and to replace the o-ring where the unit mounts to the tank. Bentley says," From under the car, disconnect the fuel return hose from the metal return line and plug the return line opening." I did this, and have disconnected everything at the assembly in the trunk except this line. At the top of the transfer pump/fuel gauge sending unit assembly, where the three hoses connect on the outside of the tank, the center and the passenger-side hoses disconnected easily. They were held with normal hose clamps. The hose on the driver's side is the one that goes to the metal line under the car and is the one I'm asking about.

Questions:

Does this hose, the one on the driver's side of the transfer pump/fuel gauge sending unit assembly, have to be disconnected at the fuel tank in order to get the assembly out of the car?? Since Bentley says to disconnect it under the car, I thought maybe you are supposed to be able to pull it out through the access hole in the trunk, along with the assembly itself. To do this I'll have to bend the hose quite a bit.

If I have to disconnect it at the assembly in the trunk, should I cut it or what? It seems to be held on only by friction. Is this type of hose readily available?

This is a first for me so lots of questions. You guys that have done this: What's the right way?
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Thanks to everyone for the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, M46; 86 240, 130K