Problems with hose clamps

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May 29, 2008 | 10:03 PM

Rick B

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 456

Likes: 28

From: New Jersey

Problems with hose clamps

For the second time, the upper radiator hose blew off on my 67 427/390
Car was not running either time.
First time was while gassing up and then again this weekend in the driveway after a leisurely drive. What a freaking mess !!
I am using repro clamps I got from Dewitts along with the hoses and radiator.
I want to stay with the original style, and ordered a pair from Long Island corvette supply yesterday. I previously used high temp rtv and it obviously didn't help much. Does anyone have any recommendations on sealers and/or epoxy and torque specifications ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Rick

May 30, 2008 | 10:02 AM

0Tom@Dewitt

Former Vendor

Joined: Jan 2000

Posts: 5,593

Likes: 631

From: Brighton

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick B

First, don't use any sealants. They can act as a lubricant and actually promote removal. Second, when you say that it happens during shut down, that tells me you do not have enough air gap for the heat soak and/or your pressure cap is too high or not working. Make sure you leave about 2-3 inches of air cap in the radiator to allow for fluid expansion. Get that pressure cap tested or replace it with a new one. When you shut down, the remaining heat in the engine goes into the coolant and it soaks it all up without removing any. It could go to 240-260 which is fine, but as result the fluid expands or grows and you must have a place for this to go. Many people will keep refilling the system when this occurs, only to repeat the process over and over. All you need to do is leave enough air gap for normal expansion, and have a functioning cap to allow for the air to exchange back and forth.

May 30, 2008 | 10:40 AM

Rick B

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2001

Posts: 456

Likes: 28

From: New Jersey

Thanks Tom,
I bet you are right
I had topped off the radiator prior to the last incident.
Do you know the recommended torque for the hose clamps ?
I don't want to over-tighten.
Rick

May 30, 2008 | 12:09 PM

JohnZ

Team Owner

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 38,897

Likes: 1,926

From: Washington Michigan

Torque for the radiator hose tower clamps is 12-18 INCH-pounds.

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