Beware! Using the "wrong" hose clamps on radiator hoses can destroy your radiator.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Mike500, Apr 23, 2014.

  1. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Installing the wrong aftermarket hose clamp can cost you the price of a new radiator.

    For years, I've replaced the OEM radiator hose clamps on all of my cars with worm drive stainless steel ones.


    No more! With plastic radiator necks, I only use the OEM or OER spring tensioned "Constant Tension Clamps."



    The excess pressure on the clamp under the worm screw will eventually deform and crack the hose neck.
     
    #1 Mike500, Apr 23, 2014
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    Good point. I found out the hard way too on one of my kid's car.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Apr 23, 2014
  3. KennyGS

    KennyGS Senior Member

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    Not trying to thread jack... I just saw this in an episode of Motorweek

    The explanation about using the OEM clamp starts at 1:47.

     
    #3 KennyGS, Apr 23, 2014
    exstudent likes this.
  4. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    Good find...

    I first knew about using OEM clamps for the diesel VV Rabbit in the early 1980's. The service manual stated specifically, NOT to using anything than the OEM clamps.

    I soon knew why...
     
    #4 Mike500, Apr 23, 2014
  5. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    #5 exstudent, Apr 23, 2014
  6. hchu1

    hchu1 Active Member

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    Yep, another tool to buy. :(
     
    #6 hchu1, Apr 23, 2014
  7. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    A pair of Channelock type water pump pliers work just fine.

    The clamps I really hated were the Ford and GM wire ones with the screws that came on cars on the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's.
     
    #7 Mike500, Apr 23, 2014
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