Radiator Hoses

z85 · October 30, 2006

Time to replace the water pump on my 03 2500hd with 8.1 4x4

When I looked at the lower radiator hose I saw these new type of "clamps?' holding them on. I haven't seen this type before. How do you disconnect them? Is there a special tool? There seems to be a collar that maybe you slide back to remove? I'm old school I guess, why not regular hose clamps?

Come on guys bring me up to date.....

Any tips on water pump replacement or what brand to buy?

Z85

redvett · November 2, 2006

There is a tool to remove & install the clamps your autoparts store has them. The new clamps are at least 10 years old and they keep a constant clamping action on the hose at all times unlike a screw clamp that cannot adjust to expansion. They never leak.

Tucson_02Silverado · November 5, 2006

Redvett...is it any one of these tools?

eToolCart Page 1

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95Sierra2500 · November 5, 2006

There is a tool to remove & install the clamps your autoparts store has them. The new clamps are at least 10 years old and they keep a constant clamping action on the hose at all times unlike a screw clamp that cannot adjust to expansion. They never leak.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have had MUCH more trouble getting these 'new' style clamps to seal than a good old screw clamp. And a screw clamp doesn't need to adjust for expansion if you put it on properly, since you're sealing a RUBBER hose that can deform in basically any direction. These new clamps that 'adjust' for expansion get worn out and leak alot faster than the old screw types. EVERY 'new' clamp I've ever tried to reuse I ended up throwing out and replacing.

edit: And for the record, a good pair of pliers (big ones, or channel lock pliers) will work to remove those 'new' clamps, no need to buy a special tool.

redvett · November 5, 2006

The MFR' s are required by fed law to have no oil,antifreeze leaks and the flat spring clamps are far Superior to screw clamps. Yes a pair of channel locks will work but are dangerous in that the clamp can slip off.

The Flat Band Hose Clamp Pliers LIS17100 LIS17100 is what i use and works great.

Tucson_02Silverado · November 5, 2006

Lisle LIS17100

Thanks Redvett.

03blackburb · November 5, 2006

That is the tool but personally I steer away from anything with the LISLE name on it. Had a $10 set of qd tools from them. My son lost the one that fits the GM fuel lines. I contacted LISLE tools and they told me that they did not sell directly to the public and to go to a retail outlet that sold their tools. Checked with several NAPA, Oreilleys and a couple of others, the replacement part plus special order shipping was going to be about $25 from all. Remember the set is $10 over the counter.

Absolutly no customer service from LISLE. I will pay someone else to do the job before I buy anything from LISLE tools.

95Sierra2500 · November 5, 2006

The MFR' s are required by fed law to have no oil,antifreeze leaks and the flat spring clamps are far Superior to screw clamps. Yes a pair of channel locks will work but are dangerous in that the clamp can slip off.

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I'm aware that they are required to have no leaks from the factory, but those spring clamps are garbage once they've been removed once. I'm sorry but those clamps are only good for speeding up assembly in the factories and that's it. After that, they're junk and NEVER seal properly once they've been removed one time. They're also MUCH more expensive to buy one of those as opposed to simply buying a screw clamp.

redvett · November 5, 2006

The MFR' s are required by fed law to have no oil,antifreeze leaks and the flat spring clamps are far Superior to screw clamps. Yes a pair of channel locks will work but are dangerous in that the clamp can slip off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm aware that they are required to have no leaks from the factory, but those spring clamps are garbage once they've been removed once. I'm sorry but those clamps are only good for speeding up assembly in the factories and that's it. After that, they're junk and NEVER seal properly once they've been removed one time. They're also MUCH more expensive to buy one of those as opposed to simply buying a screw clamp.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have removed and reused the OEM clamps on many vehicles and never have had a leak. I wouldnt put the old style clamps on for anything.

Tucson_02Silverado · November 6, 2006

Redvett...do you know if the 9C1 5.3 Tahoe's have silicone hoses?

Edit>>>>

Sorry, I guess there is 2 different Tahoe's not just a 9C1 anymore, Special Service 4WD/2WD and PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) 2WD only. Ok i'm now confused, was the B4C only the Camaro of late? anyways i ramble.........this should probably be asked in a 9C1 forum

Mr. Smith · November 6, 2006

The MFR' s are required by fed law to have no oil,antifreeze leaks and the flat spring clamps are far Superior to screw clamps. Yes a pair of channel locks will work but are dangerous in that the clamp can slip off.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm aware that they are required to have no leaks from the factory, but those spring clamps are garbage once they've been removed once. I'm sorry but those clamps are only good for speeding up assembly in the factories and that's it. After that, they're junk and NEVER seal properly once they've been removed one time. They're also MUCH more expensive to buy one of those as opposed to simply buying a screw clamp.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have removed and reused the OEM clamps on many vehicles and never have had a leak. I wouldnt put the old style clamps on for anything.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Same as redvett I have had zero trouble reusing the OEM clamps. I paid for them once...why pay for them again?