Cooling Systems Clamps

Purdue_Boiler_Viper

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Any recommendations on radiator clamp and heater core clamps? I have new Roe hoses, and new Mopar hoses on heater core. Both leaking when I drive the car hard. Have replaced the Mopar clamps with stainless screw type, but still leak.
 

carguy07

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I would replace your radiator cap before doing anything else. It may be building too much pressure.

I used to use Permatex #2 on hoses before I became a poser. It's messy but works great.

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Purdue_Boiler_Viper

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I admit that I am think along the form a gasket lines. There are a number of aftermarket clamps available. Anyone have any experience with good quality clamps?
 

Steve-Indy

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I've had good success with the clamps that Sean Roe supplies with his hoses. The trick for me has been to make SURE that they are properly (evenly) positioned while thghtening the screw. Admittedly, I go EASY on the torque while installing them to keep from cutting the hose...then I re-tighten the clamps after a run cycle...noting that I aim the screws in a direction that they can be easily reached without lifting the car. So far, Roe hoses still working well on five of our Vipers.
 
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Purdue_Boiler_Viper

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I've had good success with the clamps that Sean Roe supplies with his hoses. The trick for me has been to make SURE that they are properly (evenly) positioned while thghtening the screw. Admittedly, I go EASY on the torque while installing them to keep from cutting the hose...then I re-tighten the clamps after a run cycle...noting that I aim the screws in a direction that they can be easily reached without lifting the car. So far, Roe hoses still working well on five of our Vipers.

Hi Steve. I got the Roe hoses last year, but no clamps included. I don't see on Roe's website where he even offers clamps.

Hey got the rear tire fixed at Discount Tire on Michigan Road, as recommended by Champion. For Free, and they did a good job. Very pleased.
 
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DAMN YANKEE

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PBV, good stainless clamps, tightened properly on new hoses....and you are still leaking?
Given that the house housings were clean, I'm thinking pressure too...
 

luc

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There are 2 reasons why Dodge ( and about every other car/truck manufacturers) use those type of clamps:
They are faster to put on on the production line AND they don't leak/cut into the hoses since they can follow the hose expension and contraction as the cooling system go through it cycles.

As long that you use the right size combination of hose/clamp,they are the best around.

Jubilee clamps ( used extensively on Jaguar from the 50 to the 80) are OK but, i agree wiyh the other posts, you problem is not the clamps but too much pressure.

Luc 00GTS
 
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Purdue_Boiler_Viper

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Pressure theory is interesting, but everything is stock. I'll check the "radiator cap" and see if it is not to spec. I've been reading about hoses, and what I've found is that most hoses will slightly collapse under the clamping force. This makes sense as most materials creep when stress is applied. The collapse of the material then will reduce the stress (pressure) of the clamp. Some hoses will "stick" to the tube, and the collapse does not cause a leak. But, if the hose doesn't bond, you might get a leak, and the remedy is to tighten the clamp again.

Interestingly, silicone hoses don't "glue", making them more likely to leak, but easy to get off.

Also, interestingly, the stock clamps are "constant pressure" clamps, meaning even as the hose collapses, the pressure is maintained by the spring of the clamp. My aftermarket clamps are not constant pressure. I'll keep working this until I get it fixed.
 

Steve-Indy

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One must also use the "correct" hose clamp...NOT the type that allows the serrations in the band to cut into the hose when in position and tight.
 
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