[chair23]

Strongly advise not bothering to try pinching the inlet line (or any other for that matter) because you might damage the tank fitting or the pump inlet. If the hose is aged at all pinching with visegrips will almost surely cut it or cause cracking or breaking.

If the pump has been on the car for some time, then it may take some work to get it loose. After taking off the output banjo and unclamping it from the mount, twisting the pump body and some very, very gentle persuasion on inlet line with pliers will ordinarily do it. If it is still stubborn, don't overdo wrenching just get out the xacto and cut the line lengthwise from the pump end about 3/4 inch - not too deeply. Resist any temptation to use diagonals, hacksaw or your teeth. Make sure not to put any torque or bending on the outlet banjo or its line.

Everything connected with draining the tank and handling fuel is a real drag. It should go without saying that its only a complete fool who doesn't keep a fire extinguisher within reach (a good, charged ext.). Once detaching the pump inlet side its good to have a short 3/8" drive extension handy. On freeing the pump inlet side of the line, stuff the extension into the line from the tank. If for some reason this does not go as planned, keep an empty 5-qt. oil jug within reach to catch fuel. At this point probably you will realize that somehow getting fuel in the tank down to a minimum is a good plan, however, CIS pumps hate sucking air and will often fail very soon afterward if there is insufficient fuel at startup. Plan ahead for refueling to at least 1/4 tank before restart, watch for leaks.

When working on fuel pump components replacing the inlet low-pressure hose is always a good plan. Best to have new hose sized up, cut to length and ready to be fitted before yanking the old one. Even if you only remove and replace this line, prep by fitting the new line to pump inlet and do a quick swap with old line at the tank outlet. In advance you might want to slide the hose clamps away from the tank end or make sure the hose clamps can open up and easily be put back on the line.

There is minimal spillage if you prepare, think it through and get your timing just right. If you're well-coordinated (and really hate getting gas on you) this quick-swap can work well. Rehearse it going through the motions before yanking the line, keeping in mind to dodge the jackstands, etc.

None of this non-draining and working under the car would likely meet osha regs. Reusing old crumbly lines is a really bad idea while we're talking safety. If however you are on the road and finding the pressing need to swap a pump or put in a new inlet line and don't have access to a lift and shop facilities, this method can get you going again.