removal of 90 degree coolant hose clamp

[ben1984j]

Hey guys,
I have a coolant leak, and I'm reasonably sure it's my 90* coolant hose, the one behind the engine. The problem is I can't figure out how to remove the top hose clamp, the one that's on the section of the hose running horizontally. I've searched extensively but can't seem to find anything beyond general agreement that it's a bitch to get to. To complicate matters further, it is angled slightly toward the engine, so that one of the metal tabs (or whatever the proper word is for them) is at 12:00, and the other is at maybe 2:00, when looking from the passenger side. I'm sure its probably as simple as finding the right tool, but I've tried long needlenose pliers as well as a couple different types of "hose clamp pliers" with no success. If anyone who has actually removed this hose (which I'm sure is many of you) could shed some light on what tool or method they used, I would appreciate it. Thanks

-Ben

 

[supraguy@aol]

Yup, I used long needle nose pliers. Better yet, get some needle nose vise grips, so that you can lock the clamp open.

 

[MK3Brent]

Take the valve cover off.

 

[rayall01]

If you can get something on one of the ears, you can rotate the clamp to a better position to remove it. I've taken that clamp off a number of times, without removing the valve cover.

 

[iwannadie]

I thought they sell a tool just for those clamps, I swear I saw a post by Jetjock that showed it. Its like a cable with a claw looking thing on the end that grabs the 2 sides of the clamp and pulls them together.

I could just be making stuff up though...

 

[GrimJack]

Pictures would help. A lot.

Is your clamp one of the screw down wire types, or one of the spring types?

For the first type, I use a socket on a short extension. For the second type I use a pair of needlenose pliers with a bend in the end, like these: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32199&cat=1,43456,43400

 

[rayall01]

I thought they sell a tool just for those clamps, I swear I saw a post by Jetjock that showed it. Its like a cable with a claw looking thing on the end that grabs the 2 sides of the clamp and pulls them together.

I could just be making stuff up though...

Yeah, they have spring clamp pliers, but IDK if it would help him in that tight spot. The angled pliers that grim linked to would probably be the best way. I use the same type for my spring clamps.

 

[Angry7M]

I thought they sell a tool just for those clamps, I swear I saw a post by Jetjock that showed it. Its like a cable with a claw looking thing on the end that grabs the 2 sides of the clamp and pulls them together.

I could just be making stuff up though...

Yeah I believe Snap-On or Mac tools sell these.

 

[ben1984j]

If you can get something on one of the ears, you can rotate the clamp to a better position to remove it. I've taken that clamp off a number of times, without removing the valve cover.

Yeah, I've tried that (it's worked on most other hose clamps), but this one is on there GOOD...I get the feeling it has never been replaced during the entire life of the car. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Pictures would help. A lot.

Is your clamp one of the screw down wire types, or one of the spring types?

For the first type, I use a socket on a short extension. For the second type I use a pair of needlenose pliers with a bend in the end, like these: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32199&cat=1,43456,43400

Yeah, you're right...I thought about posting pictures but wasn't sure how helpful they would be since my camera is very low quality (cell phone); thought maybe I could get my question across with enough description. And the clamp is a spring type, that's what I meant when I was talking about the "tabs" on the clamp. I'll definitely get the screw down clamps when I replace these; yeah, a socket with extension would easily get in there if I had those.

Those angled pliers you linked to look perfect. I looked at Sears and a couple auto parts stores but don't remember seeing anything like them...they look like just what I need though so thanks



Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm sure I'll be able to get it, I've gotten through way worse when working on my car. I'm probably just a little worn out right now from just having done the KS rewire, a lot of that was new to me.