Heater Hose Fittings
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Heater Hose Fittings
Hope you all don't mind a question about the Ford van. Since van and truck platforms are similar I was hoping it would be OK to post here. Here goes ~
I am trying to replace the front heater core on my 1993 Ford E-150 van (Straight 6). I have removed the under-dash shields and have exposed the heater core. The next thing I need to do is disconnect the heater hoses from their fittings on the engine compartment side of the firewall.
It has those "quick release" fittings, so I went to Advance Auto to get the release tool. I got a box of six plastic ones of different sizes. None of them came close to fitting, much less doing the job.
I then got a "heater hose disconnect tool", this one made of metal, with a long handle and 2 different sized detachable ends. The application list on the package for this tool even lists my particular van. Yet, one attachment that came with the tool is too big, the other one is too small. There is no way either will get these heater hoses off.
Needless to say, I am frustrated. This relatively simple 2-hour job has turned into a three-day ordeal. And this is my wife's car, and she ain't happy.
If someone could please tell me what tool I need to get to actually get these hoses disconnected, I would be grateful.
I am trying to replace the front heater core on my 1993 Ford E-150 van (Straight 6). I have removed the under-dash shields and have exposed the heater core. The next thing I need to do is disconnect the heater hoses from their fittings on the engine compartment side of the firewall.
It has those "quick release" fittings, so I went to Advance Auto to get the release tool. I got a box of six plastic ones of different sizes. None of them came close to fitting, much less doing the job.
I then got a "heater hose disconnect tool", this one made of metal, with a long handle and 2 different sized detachable ends. The application list on the package for this tool even lists my particular van. Yet, one attachment that came with the tool is too big, the other one is too small. There is no way either will get these heater hoses off.
Needless to say, I am frustrated. This relatively simple 2-hour job has turned into a three-day ordeal. And this is my wife's car, and she ain't happy.
If someone could please tell me what tool I need to get to actually get these hoses disconnected, I would be grateful.
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Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Along Lake Erie
The plastic ones should do the trick.... not sure why they wouldn't work for you.
I've found that the trick with those is to slip the tool down into the fitting, then push the two halfs together and you should hear a click as the fingers all release and it pops apart.
Another idea is that if there's enough of the tube on the heater core side of the joint to get a tubing cutter, cutoff wheel, or sawzall in there, just cut it off and then you can bend the hoses back to a more managable angle to get them loose. Might help make it a little easier if nothing else.
Good Luck!
-Joe
I've found that the trick with those is to slip the tool down into the fitting, then push the two halfs together and you should hear a click as the fingers all release and it pops apart.
Another idea is that if there's enough of the tube on the heater core side of the joint to get a tubing cutter, cutoff wheel, or sawzall in there, just cut it off and then you can bend the hoses back to a more managable angle to get them loose. Might help make it a little easier if nothing else.
Good Luck!
-Joe
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Originally Posted by GIJoeCam
The plastic ones should do the trick.... not sure why they wouldn't work for you.
I've found that the trick with those is to slip the tool down into the fitting, then push the two halfs together and you should hear a click as the fingers all release and it pops apart.
Another idea is that if there's enough of the tube on the heater core side of the joint to get a tubing cutter, cutoff wheel, or sawzall in there, just cut it off and then you can bend the hoses back to a more managable angle to get them loose. Might help make it a little easier if nothing else.
Good Luck!
-Joe
I've found that the trick with those is to slip the tool down into the fitting, then push the two halfs together and you should hear a click as the fingers all release and it pops apart.
Another idea is that if there's enough of the tube on the heater core side of the joint to get a tubing cutter, cutoff wheel, or sawzall in there, just cut it off and then you can bend the hoses back to a more managable angle to get them loose. Might help make it a little easier if nothing else.
Good Luck!
-Joe
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 776
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From: Guyton, GA USA
Make sure you push the hose towards the fire wall a little while you are trying to release the clips. Go to the dealer for the new kits. I paid about $5.00 for the kits, and did not have to worry.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Another idea is that if there's enough of the tube on the heater core side of the joint to get a tubing cutter, cutoff wheel, or sawzall in there, just cut it off and then you can bend the hoses back to a more managable angle to get them loose. Might help make it a little easier if nothing else.