i have recently been having a fit getting my lower rdiator hose to seal after the original hose sprung a pinhole leak.

I have now tried a band clamp from NAPA ... still leaking.

I noticed though that there are several mfrs of band type hose clamps (reputedly the best hose clamps are band type). I got 2 from pepBoys that are by Ideal they have cadnium plated screws (poor plating too). I got 2 from NAPA (very shiny screws maybe stainless).

they all cost the same, but I am noticing that all of my hoses have been replaced, and SOME clamps. I figure I'll do this one right and use all the same brand of clamp.

the thing is that some of the clamps are rusty and look like crap. some look like they were put on yesterday.

Which ones are the best ones.

Mike

 

When I did hoses about 6 months ago I just re-used the stock wire-type clamps since they weren't corroded or anything. She doesn't leak a drop of antifreeze .

 

I use plain old stainless "band type" hose clamps and use a ratchet to tighten them down. If you use a screwdriver they almost always leak. Just don't tighten them down to the point of trashing the screw retainer.

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85T/A 305/QJ work in progress.

 

i use whatever's cheap, usually off the shelf stainlees clamps. when i change a hose i coat the inside of it with the permatex in a can with the brush, #3 i think. never had a leak doing it this way. are you sure you don't have a leak or other problem in the general area making you think it's the clamp?

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

 

Thanks.
Which clamps hold up well for the long term though and do not rust?
Which stainless steel clamps hold up the best?
Where have you seen NEW "wire type" clamps and are they worth buying?
how can I identify a high quality hose clamp??

Mike

 

Ive used stainless band clamps for quite a while and the only problems I've had with them is stripping the screw or the clamp itself. Im back to the wire clamps now, I think they hold a little better. Ive seen a few of those break too, but IMO its not all that common for them to do so.
The real good ones are plastic shrink type clamps they started using on 18wheelers, they heat the plastic and it shrinks around the hose. I hear its the best available, but its expensive and they are one time use.
Make sure its not the clamp, like maybe where the hose hooks up is damaged/bent/corroded, whatever.

 

Mike, I also use those Ideal clamps from Pep Boys, but I've had no problems with 'em. I'll usually have to tighten them up a bit after a few days, but that's normal.

Ede, that's a cool tip about the sealant inside the end of the hose!

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
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