I'm doing my manifold gaskets. Do I really need to disconnect the fuel lines in order to move the rail? I was thinking just unbolting the rail and moving to the side out of the way. But, when doing this I'll obviously at least un-cap the gas cap to relieve pressure. So, when I do the rings on the injectors and take them out with the line still attached will fuel drop out the injector areas when I take them out or will that only be the little excess fuel that didn't leak back down to the tank?

 

I always pull the rails without unhooking the fuel lines. In addition to the 4 bolts that hold the rails on the intake manifold, you have to release the clamp on the bracket that holds the two hard lines to the back of the manifold. Problem is the screw head on that clamp is facing downward. See Shoebox's photo, below.

When you pull the rails, no fuel will come out of the injectors. Think of the injectors as small valves. Unless they are leaking, fuel can not get out of them. You wouldn't even have to relieve the pressure in the system, but it can't hurt.

The fuel pressure regulator is on the return line, and when the engine shuts off, the FPR closes to hold the fuel pressure in the supply line and rails. You relieve the pressure by pressing down on the core of the Schrader valve (just like a tire valve). Fuel will spray out of the valve, so don't do it when the engine is hot, and hold a rag over it to collect the fuel. I'd say just leave it alone.

http://shbox.com/1/fp_reg.jpg

 

I got a good start on it tonight. So far I've disconnected all the attaching hoses and lines to the manifold, disconnected basically all the attaching pieces to the manifold and fuel rail. I got the rail off without having to mess with the clamps or bracket you mentioned(since I'm just going to take the lines off) but I can't actually get it all the way out or off with the wiring and looms in the way with the fuel lines attached. I want to take it out so I can clean the injectors they were gunked up. The o-rings on the bottom of the injectors look like trash too so I may need to get new ones. I'm getting the disconnect tool in the morning just to get it out of the way and remove the lines.

Another question, why is it that the gasket kit only comes with one set(8) rings for the injectors when they need 2 each? Is the need to replace both sets of rings on injectors uncommon or something, just seemed odd to me.

On a good not is that since the rail would have been pressurized still I guess it rules the possibility of leaky injectors out since I didn't see any. This engine wasn't maintained at all by previous owner and in order to get the intake off I first have to do a lot of cleaning just to insure no crud falls in when I take it or the injectors fully off, it's pretty filthy. But hey, learning opportunities abound with me and this vehicle...good to have pride in your ride!