Disconnecting Link Rod Above Fuel Filter

Don, and All,

I have a ’09 250 Pro XS. There is a link rod above the fuel filter. The Mercury Owners Manual instructs when changing the fuel filter to disconnect the link rod. How do you disconnect the link rod?

Thanks for all your help. …Lew

The following post should cover it for you:

http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=492802

(Found in the "Commonly Asked- Commonly Used" sticky at the top of the forum) http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

I meant to include.... Don on 12/22 you replied to a fuel filter question saying....

With a flatblade screwdriver, CAREFULLY separate the TPS link arm from the TPS (you're disconnecting the ball and socket joint at the TPS). Set the arm out of the way.

With screwdriver in hand I feel like the bull in a china closet - CAREFULLY - ahh, just how tight do I need to grip the screwdriver?

While "twisting" the screwdriver, you may have to exert 3-5 lbs of pressure to separate the ball-link.

i know this post is very old but I do have the same question about disconnecting the link rod and I see the link no longer works to the instructions in the FAQ section. I don't want to break anything while trying to get that link rod disconnected.

Just pry it off with a screwdriver

I’ve broken mine multiple times, finally started ordering extras.

I have a 225 Sport XS Optimax and just use my fingers and wiggle, pry & pull very carefully and the ball joint end pops off., other end stays connected. Once removed I tuck it out of the way so its not in the way to pull the fuel filter. Motor is a 2010 and never broke one (yet).

needle nose pliers behind joint , never broke one

I never broke one either.

Thinking about it, I think I kept breaking the one that goes to the butterfly or throttle area. Been awhile since I jacked with it and mine were probably borderline dry rot anyway. (Motors a 2005)

:thumb up2:

I have a forked tool that I use for interior door panel button removal and that works great to pop those rod ball ends off safely.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FeFanatic

I have a forked tool that I use for interior door panel button removal and that works great to pop those rod ball ends off safely.

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+1! Forked automotive trim tools work well, I have several.