Hose clamps spring or band?
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Hose clamps spring or band?
Getting ready to replace my 93 LT1 water pump, all cooling and heater hoses. I'm planning on replacing all the original spring clips with new band clamps. Any thoughts on this. With 20 plus years of service best to replace!
#2
Race Director
The factory uses band clamps because they expand and contract with engine temperature. And they are wide enough to give uniform tension, as opposed to the old wire compression clamps. Screw band clamps don't and can damage the hoses. I don't think I've ever heard of the band clamps failing outside of cars that have burned.
#3
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The band clamp provides a constant pressure completely around the hose with no pressure point. The Screw clamp can create a pressure point under the screw coupling this if tightened to much on a plastic fitting such as the radiator end tanks can not only create a leak but deform and crack the plastic fitting.
#4
Le Mans Master
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Dittos on the spring clamps, if at all possible. NO/very low maintenance.
The bugaboo about spring clamps can be accessing them with a tool - and access to (i.e., buying) "fresh" spring clamps - relegating us to screw (worm) clamps.
The bugaboo about spring clamps can be accessing them with a tool - and access to (i.e., buying) "fresh" spring clamps - relegating us to screw (worm) clamps.
#5
Racer
Thread Starter
My concern with the spring clamps is after 20 plus years is the tension still OK?
#7
Race Director
The factory uses band clamps because they expand and contract with engine temperature. And they are wide enough to give uniform tension, as opposed to the old wire compression clamps. Screw band clamps don't and can damage the hoses. I don't think I've ever heard of the band clamps failing outside of cars that have burned.