93 E-150 Heater Hose MISERY

I am trying to replace the front heater core on my 1993 Ford E-150 van. 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 ofthe firewall.

It has those "quick release" fittings, so I ewent 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 includes my particular van. Yet, one attachment that came with the tool is too big, the other one is too small.

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, and where I can buy it, I would be grateful.

You can disconnect them by hand. This is my method. Just pinch the tabs togather, and the hose will pull off.