How to remove hoses

[dmksails]

Thanks for all the good ideas. I should have thought about replacing the hoses too - I'm sure they are original from 1986.

[savoir]

If the hoses really are from 1986 then just cut through them with a hacksaw and replace them. Once you get them out you will probably see that there are cracks all over the place. Old rubber pipes tend to turn dry and brittle.

A small screwdriver sometimes works in loosening pipes on a barb.

[01kiwijohn]

I have always found channel locks, with old rag to protect the hose. Worked

[Mithril Bham]

Cut them off with a Vicky knife.

[mannix2]

I use "Snap Ring Pliers" to break the seal. Work them in and around. If this does not work, at least the seal is usually broken enough to use other tools.

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J250G...ap+ring+pliers

[skipmac]

Getting old, hardened hoses off can be a huge pain. Even if you plan to replace the hose and are willing to cut it off sometimes it's hard to get enough room even for that.

I'm thinking about going to C4 next time I encounter a recalcitrant hose.

Seriously, if the hose is that hard it's time to replace it anyway.

[SouthernPride]

use a box cutter to split them horizontally, pour a bit of dish detergent on the connection ends and let sit overnight.

Don't forget to put the hose clamps back on before you put the new hose on.

leave extra length of hose at each end and use 2 hose clamps on each connection...definitely worth the extra change.

[Sandero]

Hose is cheap enough... replace it! This is kinda dumb no? Old stiff hose could crack as well. Get rid of it.

[Blue Stocking]

An upholsterer's tack removal tool I use regularly. Looks like a flat bladed screwdriver, tip slightly curled up. wit a notch cut in the slot face. Perfect little pry bar.

[barnakiel]

A sailmakers spike can be sometimes pried under the hose. Then just lever it off.

I use hot water too with mostly success.

b.

[Rduncanson]

Typically I will cut the hose off and replace especially since it's stiff, good time to replace

[JOHNMARDALL]

Time to replace those old hoses, which will be fatigued beyond recovery if you do manage to get them off. Save yourself a lot of time and busted knuckles by making longitudinal cuts the full length of the underlying hose barbs with a very sharp utility knife (snap blades are the best) and those old hoses will come off easily.

Good luck
John Mardall
Vetus Maxwell Group

[Defeverboat]

Use silicone grease on the new hose to barb fitting and two hose clamps. It works wonders on exhause hose ! So easy

[dick sargent]

I use a hose clamp adjacent to the nipple and tighten it to the point where it dislodges frozen hoses...never used that system on small bilge pump hoses however, but worth a try. Otherwise box cutter.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by fallingeggs

You need a... hose removal tool!

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4521-Hose.../dp/B0050SFZBG

Old hoses will likely be ruined (at least the bottom few inches). You even have to be careful to not poke holes in new hoses. But the tool allows you to get leverage to pry the hose off and/or break the seal.

You can buy this tool at an auto parts store, you don't have to order it.

Yes, you could damage the hose or fitting but you can cause damage with any tool if you don't know how to use it.

Stick the point between the inside of the hose and the fitting. Work it around the inside diameter of the hose to break the bond. Push it in further and repeat. Eventually you will break enough of the bond that you will be able to twist the hose free.

Don't stick the point of the tool into the fitting, especially if it's plastic. Of course, if you are replacing the pump, this doesn't really matter. This procedure won't normally damage the hose either.

To avoid this problem in the future, while you are at the store, buy a tube or bottle of "Radiator Hose Grease". Coat the fitting and the inside of the hose with this product and assemble it. It will be much easier to remove in the future and this product won't degrade the hose like some makeshift products might. You can even buy this at West marine.


I used to have a small I/O boat and had to drain the block to avoid freezing damage. I would have to do this a few times in the spring and fall to extend the season. I learned a lot about removing and installing hoses in inconvenient locations.