How do you get the hoses off the heater core on a 1997 f150?

 

Well, it doesn't look easy! Seriously, I hope someone who's done it replies, because I want to do mine soon.

 

It has been posted on several threads here. They are quick disconnect, but often dont. You will find locking tabs on the connector. You pinch the tabs inward till you hear them click when they release, then pull them off. They have orings inside the fittings, two rubber and one plastic per fitting. If there is a lot of corrosion in them then you will have to fight with them. There is a special tool made for them but I never like it, didnt have enough maneuvering room with some of them. If you are replacing the heater core its easier to cut off the core pipes with a chop saw and get the hoses in the open to remove the pipes.

 

[QUOTE=MrBSS;1490244]Well, it doesn't look easy! Seriously, I hope someone who's done it replies,.
You may have to push the hose toward the back to get of the truck to remove the pressure on the clips then squeeze the clips, and pull hard while squeezing the clips. You first may want to try twist the hose to get it free and find a position that's easy to squeeze the clips.

 

If there's a secret or trick to removing those damned things it's understanding how they're supposed to work---took me a while to get onto it and I'm still not a whizz at it. They can be a huge PITA, especially the first time. Here are two videos that might be helpful:

Fast forward this one to about 2:45 for the best description of removing these without a tool---the bits before that point don't really address the connectors:


This one uses Dorman replacement fittings which are fine and of decent quality---they're very much like the factory versions:


The OTC and Rotunda tools work well enough and yes they're typically used just once in a truck's lifetime---spending that money is up to you.

Good luck with this---a lot of us have already been there, done that.