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Locking spring hose clamps

2.7K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  cdmccul  
#1 ·
Can someone give me a p/n and/or source for the type of clamp shown here? I recently replaced the lower heater return tube and short (about 3 inch long) 3/4" rubber hose that connects the heater return tube to the thermostat housing. Now I have leaks at both ends of the rubber hose. I believe the clamps are sprung and not applying the pressure needed to seal properly. I don't like worm drive clamps (ask me later why) and it would be hard to access them in this application anyway so please don't suggest those. I'm looking for the factory replacement spring clamp that I can slide on and release/activate.

Ps.. I do not have a dodge dealer nearby so am looking to order online.
 

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#3 ·
Here's the best photo I can get of what I'm dealing with without jacking up and going under the car. From underneath the car it is obvious the coolant is coming from the joint between the rubber hose and the mating piece.

The leak isn't severe, but enough to be a nuisance and leaves a small puddle of coolant on my garage floor.
 

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#4 ·
If no one comes up with a source, junk yard item.

...I don't like worm drive clamps (ask me later why)...
I agree that those are better than screw clamps. They apply constant, even pressure all around the hose OD regardless of compression set of the hose rubber, also reduced chances of hose cut-thru due to localized pressure due to lumps of screw-type clamps and having to over-tighten to make up for the lumps/unevenness of pressure. (You can get lined screw-type clamps, which lessen the lumps - NAPA has them - solves part of the problem, but they don't tighten themselves to make up for compression set.)

How'd I do? :)
 
#7 ·
If no one comes up with a source, junk yard item.
That is what the local parts store recommend, but I'm worried about a used clamp having the same issue.



I agree that those are better than screw clamps. They apply constant, even pressure all around the hose OD regardless of compression set of the hose rubber, also reduced chances of hose cut-thru due to localized pressure due to lumps of screw-type clamps and having to over-tighten to make up for the lumps/unevenness of pressure. (You can get lined screw-type clamps, which lessen the lumps - NAPA has them - solves part of the problem, but they don't tighten themselves to make up for compression set.)

How'd I do? :)
Nailed it! :)

As for the Napa and Amazon listings, it looks like neither of those are the type that can be locked open. Since this is such a difficult area to get pliars into, I wanted the type that I could install locked open and release after positioning.
 
#11 ·
Those particular clamps; come with the new hoses from the Dodge dealer.

They are what I refer to as the "***** clamps"; because they are different than regular spring clamps; where as they have a hole and pin drilled into them to lock them open once squeezed; this was for assembly purposes at the factory. All they had to do was take their special tool and pop the clamps closed after putting them on the heater core pipes.

They are in a very difficult spot and if you can re-latch them open, its hard to snap them closed again once they are on without the "tool".

However, once you get those off, a regular standard spring clamp will work perfectly.

It is hard to get those clamps separately, unless you can pick them from an assortment; because they were included with the heater hose assembly, and come with that when you buy new at the dealer....so they dont show part numbers for them in the parts catalog.

To get them, either junkyard as mentioned; or if NAPA has an assortment; or....the closest one I see that may work is Dodge part number 06502018; this is used on the other ends of one of the heater pipes that doesnt come as an assembly, and IIRC is the correct size; I always hoarded these clamps and had a box full of them to go thru when needed lol....