Radiator hose leak

57larry · September 18, 2019, 11:50:25 PM

put a new alum radiator in my 68 C10. 350 engine, installed new bottom radiator hose, has a small leak at the hose connection. checked radiator, no leaks

, installed a 2nd new bottom hose, still a small drip leak, installed 2 new hose clamps together, still a small drip leak

any ideas? thanks, Larry

enjenjo · September 19, 2019, 07:13:02 AM

Google constant torque hose clamps. A bit pricey but they hold. You can get them at NAPA by the piece.

57larry · September 19, 2019, 11:15:33 AM

thank you Frank, I knew you would know

57larry · September 21, 2019, 01:08:00 PM

went to NAPA, got the $10.05 hose clamp. still have the small drip

now what? thanks, Larry

34ford · September 21, 2019, 01:49:43 PM

I always put some non hardening sealer on the inside of the hose before putting it on. If I remember right it is a Harga Permatex Indian Head Gasket Shellac Compound or i use some of my white plumbers pipe dope.

57larry · September 21, 2019, 05:33:14 PM

thank you, I'll try the Permatex

348tripower · September 22, 2019, 07:11:46 AM

I would have to believe that there is a leak where the outlet is welded to the bottom of the tank.

enjenjo · September 22, 2019, 11:30:37 AM

I am tending to agree with Don, someone else shot that bear. Pressurize the cooling system and see where it is actually leaking.

Gates make a shrink type hose clamp that will not leak, but it's more expensive than the constant torque clamp, and one time use only.

57larry · September 22, 2019, 10:52:51 PM

I wish it was that simple. the radiator outlet is not leaking. thanks everybody

enjenjo · September 23, 2019, 12:57:41 AM

https://www.amazon.com/Gates-32941-PowerGrip-Hose-Clamp/dp/B000CRDL7K

57larry · October 02, 2019, 04:56:29 PM

Frank, does the Gates product go over the radiator hose & then you apply heat to it? thanks, Larry

enjenjo · October 02, 2019, 07:56:17 PM

Yes. Usually a heat gun, I would be afraid to use any type of torch. Remember it is one time use, to disassemble you have to cut it off and replace it with a new one. The good part, as the engine heats up, it gets tighter.

57larry · October 20, 2019, 08:21:46 PM

Update: installed the Gates power grip hose clamp, no more leak! thanks everybody, Larry

enjenjo · October 20, 2019, 11:41:03 PM

Quote from: "57larry"Update: installed the Gates power grip hose clamp, no more leak! thanks everybody, Larry

Glad to hear that.

57larry · April 11, 2020, 10:37:58 PM

Update: radiator still has a small drip at the bottom hose. yanked the radiator out and bought a new Cold Case radiator