Ridiculous Coolant hose Clamp design

[vavavroom]

This ratcheting plastic band clamp is used to secure the lower radiator hose. The clamp has a little plastic nub that locks into a tiny receptacle at the bottom of the radiator support. It's a friction fit. If I give Moneypenny the spurs the clamp pops right out. I don't like the coolant hose banging around. I'm mulling modifications that allow me to secure the hose more reliably. Right now I'm using a handcuff zip tie.

 

[Soft Cars]

Something like this might work. They go up to 2" diameter.

 

[gman2304]

My Chevy 5.3 has several of those in the engine compartment. On my truck they’re used on wire looms or mid hose to keep the wiring or hose from contacting a belt or pulley. You Might try to find one with a larger ‘nub’ though I would probably just stay with the zip tie if it’s working now.

 

[Kantaro]

Right now I'm using a handcuff zip tie.

Sounds like a permanent temporary solution to me, as long as the zip tie doesn't wear on the hose.

 

[vavavroom]

Sounds like a permanent temporary solution to me, as long as the zip tie doesn't wear on the hose.

I wrapped the hose with self-fusing silicone tape before I zip-tied it.

 

[earlyre]

Sounds like a permanent temporary solution to me, as long as the zip tie doesn't wear on the hose.

 

[Donald]

Why not replace with a constant tension worm gear clamp?

 

[ekrampitzjr]

BMW's planned-obsolescence features kicking in right on schedule, it appears.

 

[vavavroom]

Why not replace with a constant tension worm gear clamp?

Look at the photo and read again.

 

[vavavroom]

BMW's planned-obsolescence features kicking in right on schedule, it appears.

What schedule is that?

 

[eljefino]

I wrapped the hose with self-fusing silicone tape before I zip-tied it.

Could also wrap the zip tie with heat shrink tubing in the color of your choice.

 

[Exhaustgases]

So what brand car? Looks like a German design.
You know over complicated plastic junk.

 

[drtyler]

I wonder if a new Genuine Mini/BMW clamp from would fit tighter? I have seen similar on a few BMW engines, and they don't typically come loose.

I have no shame, and the zip tie would work for me, provided it doesn't rub any hoses.

MINI Hose Clamp Genuine MINI 17127639895 17.12.7.639.895 17-12-7-639-895 17 12 7 639 895 | Pelican Parts

Genuine MINI Hose Clamp $20.27. Call (310)626-8765. May Qualify For FREE SHIPPING. Parts# 17 12 7 639 895 17-12-7-639-895 17.12.7.639.895 17127639895. Cooper.

www.pelicanparts.com

If the above is the same clamp, it may be an updated part that works better.

 

[vavavroom]

I wonder if a new Genuine Mini/BMW clamp from would fit tighter? I have seen similar on a few BMW engines, and they don't typically come loose.

I have no shame, and the zip tie would work for me, provided it doesn't rub any hoses.

MINI Hose Clamp Genuine MINI 17127639895 17.12.7.639.895 17-12-7-639-895 17 12 7 639 895 | Pelican Parts

Genuine MINI Hose Clamp $20.27. Call (310)626-8765. May Qualify For FREE SHIPPING. Parts# 17 12 7 639 895 17-12-7-639-895 17.12.7.639.895 17127639895. Cooper.

www.pelicanparts.com

If the above is the same clamp, it may be an updated part that works better.

Nice find. That is the correct part. It comes with the plastic insert that's probably worn due to age. This could be an updated part. Hard to tell because the insert is attached. As it's attached now the hose is not going anywhere.

 

[RAR]

It’s surprising how well that little strip of plastic tied on holds…

I’ve got the front end off of my R56 Mini, and the things that held on tighter and didn’t break until snipped were zip ties.

Don’t assume the engineers didn’t test out that fastener type in durability testing. It’s what I’m doing now for Mercedes and we’re to let things break so they can be studied (and hopefully redesigned). That odd clamp passed their testing.

BTW, we’re also doing durability testing on Minis. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance in one as they’re electric and only go out in daytime.

 

[Kantaro]

@RAR What are the requirements for durability testing? The cynic in me wants to think that a Harvard MBA is forcing engineers to design parts to only last the life of the warranty to save on material costs.

 

[KrisZ]

Does it actually clamp the hose and makes the seal, or is it just a fancy hose bracket that holds the hose to something else?

 

[thescreensavers]

Can use a T-bolt and an added bracket.

If it were me I would just keep the hose clamp but not hulk it super tight, zipties tend to break easier with heat and when under tension.

 

[vavavroom]

Does it actually clamp the hose and makes the seal, or is it just a fancy hose bracket that holds the hose to something else?

I called it a clamp because it clamps onto the hose but in my description I made clear it's used to secure the hose so it doesn't wobble.

 

[drtyler]

I wonder if a new Genuine Mini/BMW clamp from would fit tighter? I have seen similar on a few BMW engines, and they don't typically come loose.

I have no shame, and the zip tie would work for me, provided it doesn't rub any hoses.

MINI Hose Clamp Genuine MINI 17127639895 17.12.7.639.895 17-12-7-639-895 17 12 7 639 895 | Pelican Parts

Genuine MINI Hose Clamp $20.27. Call (310)626-8765. May Qualify For FREE SHIPPING. Parts# 17 12 7 639 895 17-12-7-639-895 17.12.7.639.895 17127639895. Cooper.

www.pelicanparts.com

If the above is the same clamp, it may be an updated part that works better.

You may know about realoem already, but this is where I found the part number to search. The online catalogs aren't always correct.

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

BMW parts MINI Roadster R59 Cooper S Cooling System Water Hoses

www.realoem.com