Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp - NCRS Discussion Boards

Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Daniel B.
    Expired
    • September 12, 2017
    • 45

    Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

    I installed a new water outlet on my 64 327. I cannot get the hose tower clamp tight enough to get a complete seal. When I tried to tighten the clamp the screw on the top starts to bend the tower and the screw slips off to the side.

    Is there a trick to get these clamps to seal? I painted the new water outlet, would this case it not to seal? I really don't want to resort to using a modern clamp.
    Thanks
    Dan
  • Keith B.
    Extremely Frequent Poster
    • September 15, 2014
    • 1582

    #2
    Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

    Hold the top of the clamp square with pillars while you snug down with a nut driver. It may take a few heat cycles to get it.

    Comment

    • Mark L.
      Very Frequent User
      • July 31, 1989
      • 560

      #3
      Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

      Dan, also a good idea to re-visit it after you have run the car up to temp and it has cooled down. You'd be surprised how much it slackens up.

      Comment

      • Patrick H.
        Beyond Control Poster
        • December 1, 1989
        • 11643

        #4
        Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

        Is it a reproduction clamp?

        If so, you may not get it to work correctly. I've had horrible luck with them as have others.
        There's more than one reason why originals sell for $.

        PH
        Vice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
        71 "deer modified" coupe
        72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
        2008 coupe
        Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.

        Comment

        • Ed S.
          Extremely Frequent Poster
          • August 6, 2014
          • 1377

          #5
          Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

          Also, before you tighten the clamp apply silicone spray lubricant on the inside surface of the steel band and on the rubber hose where the steel band will make contact. When dry, the rubber produces "traction" and does not let the steel band slide tight, it binds. If you put a wrench on the nut of the clamp as Keith recommended and apply silicone lube to allow the steel band to slide as it tightens you should be able to get a seal. I learned this silicone spray trick in another post on this tech forum - don't recall who's idea it was but, it works! Good luck.
          Ed

          Comment

          • Daniel B.
            Expired
            • September 12, 2017
            • 45

            #6
            Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

            A lot of great suggestions! . I am going to use them all.
            Thanks to you all
            Dan

            Comment

            • Dick W.
              Former NCRS Director Region IV
              • June 30, 1985
              • 10483

              #7
              Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

              In years past I have had success using non hardening Permatex #2 gasket sealer on the neck of the housing. Just a thin coat is all it takes.
              Dick Whittington

              Comment

              • Alan D.
                Extremely Frequent Poster
                • January 1, 2005
                • 2038

                #8
                Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

                The Model A & T ect guys used Indian Head Gasket, non hard brown stuff (bet Permatex owns them now so may be the same as #2)
                I had problem with lower radiator hose, in fact tighten so hard the screw went through the metal band, took apart, put some Indian
                inside rubber and on outlet of radiator, no more leak even got to use the old repo clamp.

                Comment

                • Ed S.
                  Extremely Frequent Poster
                  • August 6, 2014
                  • 1377

                  #9
                  Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

                  One more thing - I believe there are torque values (in inch pounds) in the AIM for tower clamps. I applied a dab of Indian Head sealer on the fitting, then applied silicone lube on the clamp strap - and then, with a wrench on the square clamp nut, I tightened the nut to the torque spec. I also waited a day, loosened the clamp, reapplied silicone and tightened it again. I discovered that the hose compresses a bit and will allow you to snug it up even more - without applying greater force or torque. Good luck - hope it works for you.
                  Ed

                  Comment

                  • Timothy B.
                    Extremely Frequent Poster
                    • April 30, 1983
                    • 5186

                    #10
                    Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

                    Someone correct me if I'm wrong but when these engines were painted didn't they use a boot over the ends of the thermostat outlet and lower water pump inlet so no paint got there. That could very well be why you are having sealing problem keeping the radiator hose put when it gets under pressure.

                    Comment

                    • Jim D.
                      Extremely Frequent Poster
                      • June 30, 1985
                      • 2884

                      #11
                      Re: Sealing Upper Radiator Hose Tower Clamp

                      I've never had an issue with leaks when using new repo clamps and new hoses. Using them on new, soft, pliable hoses shouldn't be a problem. Trying to use them on old hard hoses will definitely cause problems.

                      Comment

                      Working...
                      Searching...Please wait.
                      An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because you have logged in since the previous page was loaded.

                      Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                      An unexpected error was returned: 'Your submission could not be processed because the token has expired.

                      Please push the back button and reload the previous window.'
                      An internal error has occurred and the module cannot be displayed.
                      There are no results that meet this criteria.
                      Search Result for "|||"