Additional Air Valve Connector

I'm removing the Expansion Tank and can't seem to figure out how to remove this connector. Is it just a pull off or is there some type of clip. I don't want to break it! Appreciate any guidance. It's on a US spec '87 328.

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Remove the metal clip (I use a 90° angle pick), then slide the plastic part off.

 

It should just pull off, but yeah they're a bugger and it's easier to pop the metal wire free. I think though that pressing into the wire across the long side it'll bow the sides enough to get it free. But that's a real pita depending on how the connector is placed.

 

As stated they can be a little hard. For sure trying to pop out the metal wire spring with a pick is first choice. But after that I've had good luck rocking the connector to try to get one side of the spring off at a time rather than a straight pull away. If this is difficult, you can see the spring pop out a little when you rock it and can get a pick under it to keep it from re-seating.

If it doesn't go well, these connectors are available from electronics and auto parts suppliers.

 

Didn't realize that they had changed the style of those connectors. Here's the other style that has the metal clip that gets pushed inward by a finger to release the connector housing:
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That newer style does look like a beyotch to pull the metal clip outward.

 

You are showing the current style. The one in his photo is the old style.

 

Interesting -- would've thought that a 1987 328 would be the "later" as (I think ) I've seen the finger-style used on many early 1980s F models.

 

Worked like a champ! Thank you all for the advice. I didn't want this 30min job to turn into a 3-day project.

Craig

 

They have been the replacement for a long time. Switchover was late 80's sometime.