Trick to disconnect fuel injection rail connectors?

I really hate working with any sort of plastic clip connector that operates on the principle of latching. The whole design pattern works only in perfect conditions and is super unreliable and succumbs to any kind of adverse conditions. I wish they used a threaded connector instead, something like a plumbing union.

The electrical ones found around the engine are somewhat tolerable. However, I find the fuel injection rail ones particularly stubborn not the least because they are in pretty much the most inaccessible spot (rear middle). You need to press two buttons on the opposite sides of the little box but the grime collected makes it really difficult.

Is there a trick or a tool (pliers) to get a good grip on these connectors so they will release? If it were only one it would be easy, with some pointy object but you need to press on both sides. I tried channel locks but the claws of the pliers need to be more hooked.

 

First make sure they're clean, hit them with compressed air as directly as you can, then soak them with some degreaser and hit them with air again. Then look closely at the clip some need the little leaver to be lifted some need pushed in. Then gently use a small electrician's tweaker screw driver to work the clip.

You can also try soaking them in 303 Aerospace protectant a few days leading up to the work or at least overnight if you can this helps the plastic to be more flexible.

 

You mean blow them with an air nozzle/pistol?

 

Yes.

Grit likes to make it's way into the clips which dries the plastic out and it often prevents them from moving freely, adding friction and traction.

In worst case scenarios it can build up and act as a fulcrum making the already dried and fragile clip snap right off.

Hence why I have a big zip tie holding down my TB plug.

 

I have the same issue (clip not latching) but the plug fits tensely enough not to need further reinforcement (or so it seems)