I am in the process of removing the radiator out of my truck. I am struggling to remove the coupling release rings for the engine and gearbox oil coolers. Any hints on how to get them out? They don't want to move at all.

 

You can try spraying them with some penetrating fluid. I assume you are using a disconnect tool.. the tool pushes into the fitting, and then the fitting comes free from the cooler.

Worst case: Leave the coolers attached to the lines, and unbolt them from the radiator assembly while it's still in the vehicle. Then remove radiator leaving the coolers still in the vehicle. I'v done this a few times when my patience ran out on those fiddly connectors.

 

I don't have that tool and have removed mine several times. It is really difficult without the tool. You will be pulling the larger part of the coupling toward the back of the truck while pushing the slipper hose toward the front of the truck, then pulling the hose the other way when you think you might have the fitting compressed.

You can us a crescent wrench or other tool loosely around the larger part to give you some leverage pulling it back.

There is no easy way without the tool, but they will come off.

 

Is this a tool I can rent at my local auto parts store?

 

They tend to get full of dirt and grim in the quick disconnects.
I spray them out real good with something like carb cleaner while working the collar back and forth.
This eventually washes out enough dirt from the collar to slide back and disconnect the hoses.

 

Harbor freight or sears will have the tool. Cheaper at Harbor freight.

 

You don't need a tool the plastic sleeves slide back and disconnect them from the tubes.
Just clean them out.

 

I agree with that and I've had to disconnect mine and others at least a dozen times. They are the most pain in the butt part of a Disco, next to doing anything with the coils. They will come off. It seems impossible but once you get the first one the others just come off.

Also, you can carefully pull the bend out a little from the radiator you are working on to get a better grip. Just be careful. Though I've done it a couple dozen times (because there are four connections for all of them) I haven't cracked one yet.

However difficult they are, they don't seem to ever leak so maybe that's a consolation.

 

Make absolutely sure they are firmly reattached when you reconnect them. You won't like it if it comes apart while driving.

 

That's sage advice.

I was tired one day and did that very thing TWICE... dumped 12 quarts of BRAND NEW Rotella on my own street, made a smoke cloud, and a month later there is still oil everywhere. On a positive note, I doubt my truck will ever rust... haha.

If you don't have it on all the way, the motor oil connector won't come off until you give it some gas... so be sure to do that in the driveway, before you get far.