devinsixtyseven

In the A4 section, people mentioned penetrating oil, dish soap, and so on...there's got to be a better way. Anyone have any suggestions?

2004 A6, 2.7T

Thanks,
Sean

4Driver4

Why are you removing it? Failure is very rare.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

You do realize the lower radiator hose is fabricated with a plastic quick disconnect on the lower end that attaches to a mating connector on the radiator? There is a U-shaped wire that is pulled out ¼ to ½ inch, then the connector is pulled off of the lower radiator nipple. Penetrating oil may not work since the sticky is plastic to to plastic rather than metal to metal corrosion but you can try it. I like aerokroil but lots of folk like PBlaster or liquidWrench. IIRC the connector doesn't twist off…it pulls straight off but a little wiggle up and down or crossways might help get it loose.

devinsixtyseven

That hose, and the smaller diameter hose from the coolant manifold to the oil filter block, have been soaked in oil from the cam cover leaking. Both are extremely soft, appear slightly deformed, and the lower radiator hose has some cracking and scaling. Easier to replace both now, while I'm doing everything else.

The front of the engine is really kind of disgraceful as a result of leaking cam cover seals and the leaking water pump. I'll throw up some pictures later.

It took a few paper towels to see the wire clip. I had already removed the wire clip and the connector+harness for the fan switch when I posted earlier, "quick disconnect" is a misnomer.

Metronet

For the lower radiator hose secured to the radiator/carrier with a metal clip. I have removed a stuck one (also 2.7T engine) by tapping it lightly to push the plastic pipe out of the radiator with a flat screw driver and a tiny plastic/rubber hammer. Just lightly, slowly it'll come out. The key I think is to tap on the small surface around the plastic pipe, not between the interconnects. Good luck!

Prospeeder

My trick is to use a long prybar, put moderate pressure prying it away from the radiator. Then wiggle the hose around and they always just come right off. Just pulling with your hands on a real stuck one doesnt work very well.