Replacing cooling system hoses - clamps too?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 2,258
From: Brighton MI
Replacing cooling system hoses - clamps too?
Getting ready to order new cooling system hoses to replace the originals on my '97. Only 33k miles, but they are probably already too old, so it is time. Wish I would have thought of this last summer when I replaced the coolant, but oh well...
For those who have already done this, did you also replace the original clamps or are they generally OK to reuse?
Appreciate your input.
Thanks!
For those who have already done this, did you also replace the original clamps or are they generally OK to reuse?
Appreciate your input.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,804
Likes: 2,258
From: Brighton MI
Thank you to all who replied. 
A follow-up question...for those who did replace the clamps, did you replace the OEM clamps with the same style of clamp or a different style?
A follow-up question...for those who did replace the clamps, did you replace the OEM clamps with the same style of clamp or a different style?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 8
From: Dallas Tx
A year ago, I replaced a clamp with a stainless steel clamp (from an auto parts store). It leaked a little - drip by drip it destroyed an idler pulley just below. I tried tightening it up, but never real stopped dripping.
Put the oem clamp back on with a new oem hose - problem solved.
Just my experience.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 147
The factory clamps need a special tool to compress them.
I have a SC so space is tight where the coolant and heater hoses come together.
My hoses are also stainless steel.
The hardware store clamps you can use a 1/4" ratchet with a 3/8 socket
and get into tight places to tighten them
Unless you have the compression tool you have to use vice grips with the factory clamps and space is tight.
Last edited by StrangelovesM6Vert; Jun 25, 2014 at 09:00 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 422
Likes: 3
From: Palatine IL
Never had a problem with OEM clamps during removal or leaks. I think I just used channel locks. Just did a motor swap at 120k miles and now that this thread came up I should change out the hoses. They are getting a bit soft. IMHO, I don't like worm drive hose clamps. Screwdivers slip and I like keeping the car workable with metric tools only.
YMMV
YMMV
