Every since I put in a new radiator I have had minor leaks around top radiator hose at the radiator connection. I reused the Master Pro top hose as it was about one year old (put on new water pump and thermostat last year) and a screw type clamp. This has been a problem all summer, just very minor leak, looks like coolant coming from between hose and plastic radiator stub, like the clamp wasn't tight, but clamp is tight.

Decided to check if I tightened so much I cracked the plastic stub where hose hooks on top of radiator, it looked fine. Them moved clamp up closer to radiator and drove for a month of so and still seeping some coolant. Actually today when I looked, the hose had almost slipped off the radiator stub. Now I moved the clamp back about midway on stub, that was first time hose actually moved.

Truck does not overheat, thermostat is working fine and I have good operation of heater etc, so nothing plugged up and thermostat doing job.

Thinking of putting on new hose, but mine really looks fine. Anyone have any ideas?

 

Have you tried a stock clamp? I can't remember what they're called, but I once tried a screw type clamp without any success.

 

I think they are called constant tension and are the original equipment. If you can be assured that the thickness of replacement hose is same as original hose, I think they are best. The clamp on thermostat is one of these constant tension, real pain to get to as I don't have the proper tool to reach down in there. The radiator is easy to get to, but don't have any constant tension clamps and may be a thickness issue.

Think you might be right that clamp is issue? I think there are several types of these screw clamps and Oreilly's may have sold me a cheap design?

 

Does your overflow resevior work?

 

Don't use screw type clamps. People torque too much on them which results in a cracked radiator.

I may still have the band style clamps from my 1997, if you're interested in them. This is one instance where the owner should stick with original equipment.

 

I have never had a problem with the screw-type clamps.... aside from overtightening them, and having them blow apart..... never damaged a nipple with one.....

Check the radiator and make sure there isn't a scratch/gouge that provides a path for coolant to escape. Also check the inside of the hose, and make sure it isn't cut/cracked/otherwise damaged.

Is the clamp staying tight?

 

Yes the overflow system is working, goes up when hot and returns down as cooling.

I do have a tendency to always over tighten things, when I moved the clamp up closer up against the radiator, I actually cut some notches in the hose with clamp. Guess I was getting irritated? Now I have moved the clamp back where it was (about center of radiator nipple) on the hose, which now has a dimple, but not cut. I was concerned that I tighten so much I cracked the plastic, but didn't see anything.

Yes the clamp stays tight.

I thought about cutting 1 1/2 off end of hose and see if enough room to attach with new clamp.

Will inspect hose and nipple, may have to buy tool to get that clamp on thermostat off without such a battle. Then just start over with new hose and clamps? The hose clamp tool with a cable may not work as it comes in from the side and need to have something that reaches down from top for that hard to get spring clamp.

 

This is what I was thinking, that maybe you damaged the inside of the hose when you originally took it off ( sometimes I use a flat blade screwdriver in between the hose and the nipple). I would like cutting off a bit and re-attach. It doesn't take much to create a weeping spot.

 

I will check it out, also am going to double check that overflow system is working. Got to thinking better this AM, that top radiator hose is hard as a rock, can't squeeze it when engine is hot and running, must cool off. If overflow was blocked/cap not working, couldn't that build back pressure?

 

The OEM clamps don't work well with aftermarket hoses. Not enough meat on the hose. OEM are stupid phat hoses. Those radiators are bad about getting clogged. Look where the lower inlet is. Is it one of those that is 4 -6 inches higher than the bottom?