Last fall I installed a Griffin aluminum radiator in my 68 Malibu. I replaced both radiator hoses at that time and installed stainless "worm gear" style clamps. I have had problems with coolant leaks on the lower hose on 3 occasions, and even tried 2 clamps to ensure a good seal. I had the car out in the driveway last week and had coolant leaking from both hoses. I am afraid to crank on those clamps anymore fearing I will distort the fittings on the radiator. Is there a different type of clamp that may work better? Seems like a silly issue, but I can't stand coolant leaks! If any one has a suggestion I would appreciate it.
67ss said
Feb 12, 2014
Sounds to me like the hoses themselves might be a touch big. When you slid them on was their any resistance. I have had to use some rubber bushings with some aluminum radiators.
Chris S said
Feb 12, 2014
The hoses were very snug going on, that is why I am so surprised by the leaks.
dashboard said
Feb 12, 2014
Try these. I don't think I'll ever use another stainless clamp.
-- Edited by dashboard on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 09:55:31 PM
Yep, I'm with Kevin. Go to any auto parts store and ask for heat shrink clamps. They hold tight and look really good installed.
67ss said
Feb 13, 2014
Wow that is surprising than that they are leaking. I have never tried those shrink clamps but Kevin had good luck with them when he built his Buick.
Chris R said
Feb 13, 2014
Is the lower hose leaking on the water pump every time or the radiator every time or both? Is it possible the w/p has some dirt and light rust built up on it causing coolant to soak in and wick out of the connection? Some light sand paper or a wire brush to clean the surface of the wp to hose seal would also help. Aluminum radiators can have a real smooth and shiny surface where the hose connects and sometimes, just making that surface rough and simply removing the smoothness will also help.
Bungy L-76 said
Feb 13, 2014
Maybe try putting some RTV around the radiator openings then slide the hoses on right away and tighten then. Make sure to let it dry completely before filling with antifreeze.
Chris S said
Feb 13, 2014
Thanks Kevin, I have never heard of heat shrink clamps, but they sound like a good idea. Chris R had a good idea about scuffing the necks. It wouldn't hurt to try that either I suppose. The water pump was also new this spring and the leaks are only coming from the radiator side. I have tried RTV in powersports applications, but only caused the hoses to blow off when under pressure.
Thanks for the ideas guys!
Enganeer said
Feb 14, 2014
Have you tried re-clocking the worm clamps?
-- Edited by Enganeer on Friday 14th of February 2014 09:19:18 AM
Chris S said
Feb 14, 2014
John, I'm not sure what re-clocking the clamps is, could you elaborate for me?
Enganeer said
Feb 14, 2014
loosen it, rotate it around about 1/3 of turn and re-tighten the clamp.
Lost in the 60s said
Feb 14, 2014
Enganeer wrote:
loosen it, rotate it around about 1/3 of turn and re-tighten the clamp.
This helps if the neck is already distorted, which it sounds like yours may be.
The 2 clamp method is good if you install them both right away, clock the gears 180° apart and tighten equally.
Once a neck is distorted, it may well require draining the system, reshaping the neck and starting all over...
By the way, beautiful car in the avatar...
Chris S said
Feb 15, 2014
Thanks for the info. May take a look at it today.
Chris S said
Apr 12, 2014
Thanks Kevin for the heat shrink clamp idea. Got the car out for the first time today, and no leaks anywhere! It was nice to finally drive it.
dashboard said
Apr 13, 2014
Glad it worked Chris. I really like the nice clean look and like I said, I don't think I'll ever use a clamp again.
Last fall I installed a Griffin aluminum radiator in my 68 Malibu. I replaced both radiator hoses at that time and installed stainless "worm gear" style clamps. I have had problems with coolant leaks on the lower hose on 3 occasions, and even tried 2 clamps to ensure a good seal. I had the car out in the driveway last week and had coolant leaking from both hoses. I am afraid to crank on those clamps anymore fearing I will distort the fittings on the radiator. Is there a different type of clamp that may work better? Seems like a silly issue, but I can't stand coolant leaks! If any one has a suggestion I would appreciate it.
Sounds to me like the hoses themselves might be a touch big. When you slid them on was their any resistance. I have had to use some rubber bushings with some aluminum radiators.
Try these. I don't think I'll ever use another stainless clamp.
thmotorsports.com/i-349486.aspx
-- Edited by dashboard on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 09:55:31 PM
Yep, I'm with Kevin. Go to any auto parts store and ask for heat shrink clamps. They hold tight and look really good installed.
Wow that is surprising than that they are leaking. I have never tried those shrink clamps but Kevin had good luck with them when he built his Buick.
Is the lower hose leaking on the water pump every time or the radiator every time or both? Is it possible the w/p has some dirt and light rust built up on it causing coolant to soak in and wick out of the connection? Some light sand paper or a wire brush to clean the surface of the wp to hose seal would also help. Aluminum radiators can have a real smooth and shiny surface where the hose connects and sometimes, just making that surface rough and simply removing the smoothness will also help.
Maybe try putting some RTV around the radiator openings then slide the hoses on right away and tighten then. Make sure to let it dry completely before filling with antifreeze.
Thanks for the ideas guys!
Have you tried re-clocking the worm clamps?
-- Edited by Enganeer on Friday 14th of February 2014 09:19:18 AM
This helps if the neck is already distorted, which it sounds like yours may be.
The 2 clamp method is good if you install them both right away, clock the gears 180° apart and tighten equally.
Once a neck is distorted, it may well require draining the system, reshaping the neck and starting all over...
By the way, beautiful car in the avatar...