I have the big Griffen radiator and am still running all the factory hoses with a worm clamp on the driver side connection. Its this lower driver side connection that is leaking. Its a slow leak, it only causes problems at WOT...if I do several consecutive runs on autoX or I do a WOT 1/4 type run it spikes and won't cool unless you park it for 30 min. This is as a result of a low coolant level. I check it after these occations and it is always low despite having recently topping it off. I guess it is leaking more than I originally thought. What type of hose/connection can I replace the factory setup with that would prevent leaking? Id like something plug and play that doesn't require fabrication if possible.
Any thoughts?
Full Version: radiator hose issue
I don't see why a regular hose and worm-type clamp can't do the trick on _any_ radiator. I usually have to re-tighten the hose clamps after reattaching a hose to the radiator (especially the silicone ones on our 9C1) once the car has warmed, but that's usually a one-time thing. The hose is the proper diameter for the hose adapter on the radiator?
You should probably examine the hose adapter where it joins the radiator for cracks. AFAIK, anything NOT a regular hose and hose clamp is going to take some fab work.
You should probably examine the hose adapter where it joins the radiator for cracks. AFAIK, anything NOT a regular hose and hose clamp is going to take some fab work.
The only thing I can add to this, is I've had real good experience with the smooth-style worm-drove hose clamps; I use it on pretty much everything on my race car, especially coolant hoses, with no issues.
They look like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Brand-Smoo...p/dp/B0036R4UC8
The benefit here is since the clamp isn't serrated all the way through, you get a smooth clamp all the way around the hose barb which makes for a tighter seal.
As for your situation the only thing I'd do is swap out the hose clamps and just replace that hose; it could be torn/slit. If it still leaks then something is wrong with your hose barb.
They look like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Brand-Smoo...p/dp/B0036R4UC8
The benefit here is since the clamp isn't serrated all the way through, you get a smooth clamp all the way around the hose barb which makes for a tighter seal.
As for your situation the only thing I'd do is swap out the hose clamps and just replace that hose; it could be torn/slit. If it still leaks then something is wrong with your hose barb.
I use these from McMaster - lined hose clamps for soft hose & tube. They have a tongue that sticks past the screw so they will get good and tight without dicing up the hose with the serrations
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