Coolant line Removal

[dsmith1279]

I blew one of the heater core lines that goes to the back of my 05.5 Jetta 5SPD BRM. I thought I'd be able to use a standard heater hose to reconnect it but the angles are too severe. Thus I will replace both of the hoses and the connectors. The challenge I have is removing the connectors at the firewall. I've pulled the horse shoe clamps at the connector but the &#$#ing things wont come loose. Is there a supervodo, hold your tounge just right way to do this? I am afraid that too much pulling will break the heater core...... and that would make me HAPPY !

I've searched but cant find it in any other threads.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[maloosheck]

It took me an hour when I was swapping climatic for climatronic to figure out how to pull those, and all I can tell you: remove the clamps and pull really hard. There is nothing blocking, they just sit tight. Just make sure you do not pull on one side. You can try wedging, but make sure you do it from both sides at the same time.

 

[Vince Waldon]

If you are replacing them anyways the easiest way is to slice them lengthwise with a sharp utility knife... obviously taking care not to press so hard you score the heater core pipe:

This is actually the factory-preferred method for hoses that bind... the idea being that sticking screwdrivers etc into the hose tends to damage the fitting itself.

 

[dsmith1279]

Bingo!!!!!!!

Those bad boys are one tight fit!!!!

 

[philip_g]

and all I can tell you: remove the clamps and pull really hard.

usually not a good idea, use the method above.