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Post Info TOPIC: Radiator hose clamp question
Chris S


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Radiator hose clamp question
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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.



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Chris S.

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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.



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Chris P
East Central, Mn

66 Chevelle 300 deluxe
Chris S


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The hoses were very snug going on, that is why I am so surprised by the leaks.

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Chris S.

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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

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Kevin

Northwestern Ohio
SteveS


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dashboard wrote:

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.



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Steve S. - Fountain, MN

 

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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.



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Chris P
East Central, Mn

66 Chevelle 300 deluxe
Chris R


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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.



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Chris - Ramsey, MN.

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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.



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Chris S


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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!

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Chris S.

Oak Grove

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Enganeer


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Have you tried re-clocking the worm clamps?



-- Edited by Enganeer on Friday 14th of February 2014 09:19:18 AM

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John E - Rogers, MN

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70 El Camino soon to be ls1/t56
64 Malibu SS
Chris S


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John, I'm not sure what re-clocking the clamps is, could you elaborate for me?

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Chris S.

Oak Grove

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Enganeer


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loosen it, rotate it around about 1/3 of turn and re-tighten the clamp.

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John E - Rogers, MN

Instructions? All I need is the exploded view.
70 El Camino soon to be ls1/t56
64 Malibu SS
Lost in the 60s


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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...doh

By the way, beautiful car in the avatar...tiphat



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Mitch D.   River Falls, WI

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Chris S


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Thanks for the info. May take a look at it today.

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Chris S.

Oak Grove

'68 Malibu (His)

'68 442 (Hers)
Chris S


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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.

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Chris S.

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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.

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Kevin

Northwestern Ohio
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