Hose clamp question...
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
Hose clamp question...
OK. I'm pretty set for doing my intercooler, coolant system flush, radiator hose/t-stat/housing replacements, and coolant bypass filtration system next weekend... just have to get another IC clamp and a few minor things.
Question.... I got my new lower radiator hose from the dealer this morning... roughly the same price as the Gates from Napa and I was already at the dealer's anyway... and the hose comes with an integral spring clamp on both ends. I've never seen taht before, and was wondering what everyone's experience is regarding that setup.
Better than typical worm-drive clamps? Worse? Makes no difference?
I have the luxury of time to get it back to the dealer and go the Gates route if I need to.
Thanks.
Question.... I got my new lower radiator hose from the dealer this morning... roughly the same price as the Gates from Napa and I was already at the dealer's anyway... and the hose comes with an integral spring clamp on both ends. I've never seen taht before, and was wondering what everyone's experience is regarding that setup.
Better than typical worm-drive clamps? Worse? Makes no difference?
I have the luxury of time to get it back to the dealer and go the Gates route if I need to.
Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,288
Likes: 269
From: North of Greenville
Looks like this one is a newer style of the old fashioned kind... heavier build, looks stronger, but I can't tell what kind of spring tension it has and don't want to mess with it unless I'm going to really use it.
It is also glued somehow to the hose, but I could probably work it off with a razor utility knife. Not knowing how it is glued on, I hate to risk damaging the new hose by trying to take it off, too. Here's a pic below...
It is also glued somehow to the hose, but I could probably work it off with a razor utility knife. Not knowing how it is glued on, I hate to risk damaging the new hose by trying to take it off, too. Here's a pic below...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25,090
Likes: 1,112
From: Rio Rico, AZ.
Sorry but I have to come in and say that the spring type clamps are vastly superior to any worm type clamp. In the 25+ years that I have been working with both types of clamps, spring clamp is much more suited to "following" the expansion and contraction of the flange as it heats and cools through daily use.
I would use spring clamps exclusively if I could find a good place to buy them from, but all my suppliers come up empty handed. Trust I have asked, numerous times, and any rep that comes through the door.
The worm clamps tend to loosen up over time and then they like to leak when the engine is fully cooled off. Tighten them down so they don't leak when cold, then they are so tight that the rubber starts to extrude out through the thread holes on the clamp.
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Pete, use the spring clamp, just make sure that all the surfaces are spotless and then install.
I would use spring clamps exclusively if I could find a good place to buy them from, but all my suppliers come up empty handed. Trust I have asked, numerous times, and any rep that comes through the door.
The worm clamps tend to loosen up over time and then they like to leak when the engine is fully cooled off. Tighten them down so they don't leak when cold, then they are so tight that the rubber starts to extrude out through the thread holes on the clamp.
.
Pete, use the spring clamp, just make sure that all the surfaces are spotless and then install.
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From: La La Land
I just learned something about clamps that I wouldn't have thought logical until presented the way you just did!
Thanks, Kwik!
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Thanks, Kwik!
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: North of Greenville
Who knew that we would get some clamp education today (or yesterday)?
Thanks Dan... keeping the hose I have does make this week a little simpler for me. I know that one of the mechanics I was talking with at the counter said to make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that fingers (or any other pressure sensitive items) are well out of the way when you release the trigger on that clamp because it will snap shut like a snapping turtle!
Thanks Dan... keeping the hose I have does make this week a little simpler for me. I know that one of the mechanics I was talking with at the counter said to make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that fingers (or any other pressure sensitive items) are well out of the way when you release the trigger on that clamp because it will snap shut like a snapping turtle!
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1
From: Columbia, MO
Dan, you hit on the very point I was going to bring up.
When I did the engine swap, I used all new clamps on every connection, and used the common worm gear clamps. I tightened them down well, but I think they have stretched over time due to the heat and expansion, because just as you pointed out, I've had a few minor drips when the truck was cool and just sitting in the driveway. I've had to go back and tighten all of the clamps a little more due to some very minor coolant drips. More of an annoyance than anything.
That's the same reason there are springs on the IC boots. The steel will stretch just a little bit over time from the heat and pressure, but the spring is on there to help the clamp maintain pressure.
I'd much rather have the spring clamps than worm gear clamps.
When I did the engine swap, I used all new clamps on every connection, and used the common worm gear clamps. I tightened them down well, but I think they have stretched over time due to the heat and expansion, because just as you pointed out, I've had a few minor drips when the truck was cool and just sitting in the driveway. I've had to go back and tighten all of the clamps a little more due to some very minor coolant drips. More of an annoyance than anything.
That's the same reason there are springs on the IC boots. The steel will stretch just a little bit over time from the heat and pressure, but the spring is on there to help the clamp maintain pressure.
I'd much rather have the spring clamps than worm gear clamps.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6,708
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From: Kiowa CO
I have to tighten my worm type clamps on my tranny cooler from time to time. Especially when it get real cold overnight. I notice a few drops of tranny fluid on the ground. Just an annoyance if anything.