ARPs not take, or a different leak?

papaindigo · **Posted:** Tue Jul 14, 2015 8:52 am

If you are still using the OEM clamps consider replacing them with stainless steel worm clamps run down snug but not godzilla. The industry standard spring clamps are a) ok for an initial install and b) probably save a tiny bit of time and $s during vehicle construction but a) come in various tension levels such that if you reuse them they must go back on where they came off and b) are notorious for losing tension if reused or just over time resulting in tiny often invisible leaks.

Classic example of why I harp on UV dye to look for leaks.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Tue Jul 14, 2015 11:02 am

papaindigo wrote:

If you are still using the OEM clamps consider replacing them with stainless steel worm clamps run down snug but not godzilla. The industry standard spring clamps are a) ok for an initial install and b) probably save a tiny bit of time and $s during vehicle construction but a) come in various tension levels such that if you reuse them they must go back on where they came off and b) are notorious for losing tension if reused or just over time resulting in tiny often invisible leaks.

Classic example of why I harp on UV dye to look for leaks.

Thanks, I was actually thinking about asking about those very clamps. I like the convenience of them, but not if they leak.

user113 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 14, 2015 11:37 pm

Seriously, do the pressure test already. If that doesn't tell you anything, use the UV dye.

Pump for around $45

Dye w/ UV light around $60

Or you can buy the UV pieces separately:

UV Light $15

Dye for orange/pink coolants $6

You might also be able to rent these from your local auto parts stores.

racertracer · **Posted:** Wed Jul 15, 2015 12:57 am

Don't replace the OEM clamps.

If there's a leak around those clamps, then your system is over pressuring or there's a slit in the hose.

OEM spring clamps hardly ever fail ..... Never fail.

Don't fool yourself and delay the repair.

I did my share of due diligence and replaced many spring clamps chasing coolant leaks while going through 3 head gasket leaks and discovered that the OEM spring Clamps do the job that they were designed to do by the manufacturer.

They sit clean around the hose, tight and away from other parts in the bay, they don't stick out with a wing that can cut you while you work, they tighten perfectly and correctly around the hose as they were designed to do and they don't squash the rubber to destruction.

I'll take spring clamps over screw clamps any day..... they perform perfectly.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Wed Jul 15, 2015 8:00 am

I'm not "against" reusing OEM spring clamps so long as they get reused in the same location and I agree that they don't cut into hoses like overtightened worm clamps and I'd install new ones if I could find ones in the proper size and tension. However, I've seen them leak from the factory and after multiple reuse on an otherwise perfectly fine coolant system.

If one does find one of these leaking repositioning can cure the problem (when I've reused them I take care to replace in exactly the same place based on the impression on the hose). However, if you are chasing an "invisible" leak (e.g. one that can only be seen with UV dye because it evaporates too fast) then IMHO the clamp needs replacing.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 15, 2015 10:39 am

Thanks fellas for all of the advice. I'll report back as soon after I solve the hose leaks if it's still slowly consuming fluid :JEEPIN:

Mountainman · **Posted:** Mon Aug 17, 2015 12:20 pm

It was a hose leak! The one on the bottom of the reservoir was leaking a lot, and so I guess bubbles were just coming strait up from there. I guess I overlooked that connection because I had my hands on it, but it took a new stainless hose clamp to stop the leak. Looks like I'll be trying the one for one on my daily driver next, which has only tiny bubbles as of yet...

ARPs not take, or a different leak?

Who is online