Thermostat clip seems to be stuck

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by zak.kapoor, Aug 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM.

  1. zak.kapoor

    zak.kapoor Junior Member

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    I have a 2008 Prius with 130K miles. This weekend I was planning to replace the water pump, serpentine belt, idler, and thermostat.

    I got the water pump out but cant seem to get the thermostat hose clamp (clip) out. it keeps shifting in the wrong direction.

    I will appreciate any suggestions on how I can turn the clip back up and get it out.

    Thanks.
     

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    #1 zak.kapoor, Aug 16, 2025 at 1:33 PM
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2025 at 3:16 PM
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    You mean the hose clamp??? There's specific tools make for hose clamps that you can 'borrow' from any auto parts chain stores or buy one @ harbor freight.

    Hope this helps....
     
    #2 BiomedO1, Aug 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    I use long 45 degree needle nose pliers grab and rotate sets the clamp.open . I replace zebra or equal . Better clamps on mine
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Aug 16, 2025 at 3:09 PM
  4. zak.kapoor

    zak.kapoor Junior Member

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    Yes, I meant the hose clamp. I am still a rookie. :confused:

    Thanks for the suggestion. I have a few of the hose clamp tools from Harbor Freight but I could not get this clamp to budge.

    Finally, after a lot of fidgeting, it came off.
     

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    #4 zak.kapoor, Aug 16, 2025 at 3:13 PM
  5. zak.kapoor

    zak.kapoor Junior Member

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    @Tombukt2 thanks, I might do that also.

    Where can I buy a set of Zebra or Equal clamps?

    Harbor Freight has only STOREHOUSE worm gear hose clams. They look decent but I am not sure if I should use them on a coolant hose?
     
    #5 zak.kapoor, Aug 16, 2025 at 3:23 PM
  6. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    These are cheap and work exceptional well on spring clamps; better than pliers.

     
    #6 BiomedO1, Aug 16, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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