Coolant flush... then the hose blew off (Page 1/2)
pHoOl APR 29, 11:00 PM
I was following a few of the threads on here on doing a coolant flush, including the articles from the cave. My passenger side pipe drain plug was rounded, so I couldn't get that off, but disconnected the hose at the rear of it, and sucked out what coolant was left in the pipe.

That said, I noticed the rubber on my thermostat, thermostat housing cap, and radiator cap all looked a little suspect so I went and replaced them all. I reattached the hose, made sure it was tight by pulling on it, then filled up with coolant. Kept topping off with water for a few days until it didn't seem to go down in the thermostat housing when sitting overnight.

Took it for a test drive, and let it get warm but not full operating temp in the driveway. Everything looked great, no drips, no leaks. Went for a drive, about a half mile from home I see a big puff of white, and quickly turned it around. Saw a coolant puddle as I drove past my spot and back to the house. Got it home before the temp gate hit red, but it was definitely rising fast.

Got it home, the coolant hose at the passenger side coolant pipe had blown off. I'm wondering if I didn't tighten it enough, put the hose clamp at the right spot, or if the radiator cap I got wasn't the right choice. Subsequent reading on the cave said not to use a vented cap, though the stant that was on it before I started was a vented one showing the same PSI as this one.
pHoOl APR 29, 11:03 PM


As I'm looking at the pictures, it looks as though I had the hose clamp further away from the pipe than it probably spent the last 35 years with the witness mark or impression on the hose. Maybe put the hose back on, and match that spot, then tighten again and make sure I can't pull it off when tugging hard?

[This message has been edited by pHoOl (edited 04-29-2020).]

olejoedad APR 29, 11:11 PM
Yup, looks like you got the clamp in the wrong place.
Patrick APR 30, 12:42 AM
The hose clamp absolutely needs to be located on the "inner " side of the ridge on the pipe.... although looking at your picture, there are actually two ridges.

Just curious... when you had reinstalled the hose on the pipe, where was the clamp in relation to the ridges? Was it by any chance on top of the end ridge?

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 04-30-2020).]

theogre APR 30, 02:03 AM
If clamp was at "wear" location shown and hose end at second pipe bump then Clamp was Not installed wrong.
The likely problem is reusing old clamp(s) that had "strip" threads on screw etc. Plus likely over torqued them too.

worm screw, shell and even the SS band only rated for a few ft-lb before they distort or break.
Many are only SS for the band. Shell and/or screw are crap steel and wear out or rust.

Replace all clamps.
Problem is finding good ones... Even Most auto parts stores have very cheap clamps.

GM and others use wire clamps because clamp better with less problems but finding them can be hard outside of Dealer Parts.
These are rated for very low torque or they can cut the hose.


While most have Hex head screws, is only for easy of use to not slip off.
NOT to wrench them to destroy them which is easy w/ ¼" or ⅜" drive handles.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Patrick APR 30, 02:40 AM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

While most have Hex head screws, is only for easy of use to not slip off.
NOT to wrench them to destroy them which is easy w/ ¼" or ⅜" drive handles.



For sure. Best to use a nut driver.
olejoedad APR 30, 07:17 AM
I will disagree - always use a 1/4" drive rachet handle.

Just be sure to not overtighten the clamp.

Some people may not get the clamp tight enough with a nut driver.
Larryinkc APR 30, 08:32 AM
I changed all the cooling system clamps to ABA brand screw clamps on all my vehicles, no problems. They are the best I could find.

https://www.ultimategarage.com/abaprice.html

[This message has been edited by Larryinkc (edited 04-30-2020).]

pHoOl APR 30, 09:50 AM
I've not moved the clamp since it blew off... so where it sits now is where I had tightened it.

Yep, I'll put it back to line up where the impressions were and give it another shot. I'm also assuming I should drain whatever coolant is left in the radiator, drivers side pipe, suck out the coolant left in the passenger side, and start all over on the refilling process, right?
Patrick APR 30, 12:19 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

Some people may not get the clamp tight enough with a nut driver.



Might be time for them to hit the gym then... once the gyms are open again.


quote
Originally posted by pHoOl:

I'm also assuming I should drain whatever coolant is left in the radiator, drivers side pipe, suck out the coolant left in the passenger side, and start all over on the refilling process, right?



For what purpose?