Radiator clamps: OEM spring type or screw type?

[dnastrau]

Greetings:

I just received the new radiator for our '96 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was wondering what the thoughts are on reusing the factory spring type clamps when installing the new rad and hoses. I have used the screw type in the past but some on the 'net think OEM spring clamps are better.

Thanks for any thoughts on this.

Andrew S.

 

[Drew99GT]

I always use the spring clamps. They don't rip the hose, they create even clamping pressure, and as the hose wears and the clamp creates in indention, it'll still exert the same clamping force (where as with a screw clamp, as it creates an indention in the hose, many times you need to come back and re-tighten them.)

I try to use spring clamps for all hose connections if possible.

 

[jldcol]

The spring type seem to have a designed in proper torque setting, if you will, that screw types lack. Vibration seems to be able to loosen screw clamps. If there were a torque setting/tool for them maybe not so bad. The screw types are easy to overtighten and damage either hose, clamp, and/or fitting.

 

[Chris142]

The OEM clamps lose tension when they are removed and installed a few times. They will not clamp an aftermarket hose well. Most aftermarket hoses are slightly thinner and thats why they wont clamp those well.

 

[oilboy123]

I am using the Goodyear smart clamps. They are made in Germany.
They are a stainless worm drive clamp and have a spring insert to keep tension on the hose. I have started using them in the last year and have had no leaks.

I get them from Shucks Auto Supply. O'Reily might have them being part of Shucks auto.

 

[zulu]

I definatley like the screw type over the spring loaded. Much more durable/secure. The biggest drawback is the ability to overtorque and crack the radiatior, especially if you're upper/lower housings are plastic.

 

[dnastrau]

Hmm...

I'll see if the new hoses (Gates) are the same thickness as the originals. If they are I may try reusing the original clamps. I have a set of screw clamps on hand if not.

Thanks to all for the advice!

Andrew S.

 

[Buffman]

I've almost had enough of aftermarket radiator hoses, unless they're goodyear. It seems they're all a little bit too big ID wise, and never fit correctly and I get leaks.

One brand in particular is the Kelly/Springfield hoses from Autozone. On my ranger I ended up having to double clamp the hoses to get them not to leak. Same on my Subaru. The stock spring clamps were too big for them, so I had to use the screw type. I wondered why I kept loosing coolant. I hate double clamping hoses in a radiator situation, but I'll deal with it for now until I buy a OEM hose for at least the upper.

 

[George7941]

Nothing wrong with double-clamping. I frequently have to do it as hoses age, it is the only way I can get them to stop leaking.

 

[mechtech2]

Proper spring clamps are better. Simpler, and they exert constant tension. That said, we use screw clamps all the time with no problems.
If you ever double clamp, put the ends 180 degrees apart.

 

[Buffman]

^^ wish I could do that. but the limited space prevented me from doing that on the subie.