Coolant hose clamps

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Sandsailor, Jan 24, 2024.

  1. Sandsailor

    Sandsailor Bobtail Member

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    New thread, IMG_0216.jpeg IMG_0216.jpeg new question. If it’s been asked. Delete please.

    So for a while now. I been having coolant hoses slowly leak because of faulty clamps. I had those “constant torque” ones that CAT offers and I bought some T-clamps in Amazon like in the picture. I even bought some 3” hose clamps from a parts store. They all seem to leak no matter what. The best results I gotten so far at the T-clamps. I just have to go back and retighten them after a few weeks and then they stop leaking(as of now). I figure Im going to double clamp all of them. Just asking if anyone has anything like this were they tried the oem ones. Started leaking and tighten until the leak stop and then it would “cross thread” but it’s just the screw stripping the clamp slots itself.

    I don’t even let my engine go much pass 200 degrees because I can smell the coolant and it makes me nervous to think the extra heat is causing more pressure making the issue worse.
     

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  3. JB7

    JB7 Heavy Load Member

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    If all those clamps leak then you have other problems. Dried coolant creates deposits and there are likely some between the hose and what it connects to. Also check the metal where the hose connects to make sure that it is not pitted. Since you are going to have to drain some coolant I would consider replacing the hoses.
     
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  4. beastr123

    beastr123 Road Train Member

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    All clamps will "weep" when exposed to extremes in temperature the clamps expand at a different rate than the cast that they are clamping the hose to. The clamp will stretch a small amount with repeated temp changes. Using a quality clamp will reduce the effects but it is just preventative maintenance to tighten your clamps once or twice a year when the engine is stone cold.
    Using emery cloth on your fittings when you have a hose off to clean deposits including micro bits of rubber also helps to reduce weeping leaks.
     
  5. Sandsailor

    Sandsailor Bobtail Member

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    The hoses are brand new. Well. We’re brand new when I replaced them 6 months ago.
     
  6. Sandsailor

    Sandsailor Bobtail Member

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    I’ll look into that. I just keep fighting them every time they had moisture on the end of the hose and eventually they’ll just strip. So it’s kind of frustrating.
     
  7. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    I can't tell if your clamps have the springs to keep constant tension. Almost everytime I change hoses/clamps I have to retighten after a few days and usually again when the cold weather comes. Try a different type of hose. Good luck
     
  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I’ve found retightening them when hot, works best. If they’re silicone hoses, they’ll seep for a while, especially when cold, till the hose gets “glued” to the metal. I’ve never tried it, but often thought about a thin layer of permatex #2 on the metal before putting the hose on. Might help initial seal. I wouldn’t use the clamps pictured. Those are missing the spring needed to be considered constant torque clamps. Use the good constant clamps made for silicone hoses. Must be large enough for the inner ring to completely wrap the hose, then be tightened and re tightened as needed while good and hot. Eventually the leak should seal up. The smaller the clamp, the harder to get tight enough, because of the full wrap design. Go easy little at a time, to avoid stripping the threads.
     
  9. 062

    062 Road Train Member

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    Have any pics of the clamp placement?
    That can have a effect on the sealing of the hose.
     
  10. krupa530

    krupa530 Light Load Member

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    Might be worth looking into clamp tite tools.
    Some places you just can’t get them on.
     
  11. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    We’ve always used this to help tack coolant hoses on nipples and on bolt threads that their threaded holes are tapped and open to a water jacket/passage. A7675760-BDFA-4D20-96A6-AA4B32983DCC.jpeg
     
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