Radiator hoses are very important. Some experts and mechanics think of them as the “unsung heroes” that make sure trucks and cars are able to run without problems or without overheating. The problem is that , like everything else, they do not last forever. When the time comes to replace your radiator hoses and the corresponding heavy duty hose clamp, you may have some trouble removing them.
The trouble is often caused by grime and rust that may accumulate on the heavy duty hose clamp and hose itself. This happens when the hose and clamps are allowed to sit without being inspected for a long time. In a perfect world, you would take a peek at the reliable clamp and hose whenever you go in and chance your oil. Most people forget and never really think about their radiator hose until they have to.
- Find a tool to clamp your hose. You need to be really careful when you are applying pressure to the hose. It can be entirely too easy to do real damage to the inside of the hose. Take a screwdriver, or something similar, and work the heavy duty hose clamp. Gently push it back and forth. You may be able to twist your tool with a counterclockwise movement until the hose clamp opens up enough to remove it and the hose it is keeping in place. They key here is to be patient with it. You may start with just a little wiggle room and, with some work, you can take the entire apparatus apart.
- Find a tool to remove the hose. Sometimes, there is enough rust, gunk and grime to keep the radiator hose attached even after you have removed your heavy duty hose clamp. All is not lost. You can get a pick tool to take the hose off of the radiator. Take the pick and try to get it in around the edges of the hose so that you can start to work the hose off. You may be able to loosen it enough to pull it off. If you think you can save the hose, you should go slowly here as well. Any quick movements can permanently damage the hose.
- Cut the hose free. If you have made the decision that the hose on the radiator is not one you can salvage or if you have new ones that you are ready to use, the fastest way to get that stuck on hose off of your radiator is to just slice it open. You can use shears, heavy duty scissors or a pair of box cutters. Pick a spot that is about two inches away from the nipple and cut the hose. You should then be able to take it off quickly and easily. Sometimes this is the only option if you have removed your heavy duty hose clamp and the hose refuses to budge.
Remember, when it comes to the proper care and feeding of your car or truck, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are a few things you can do to prevent this sticky problem from developing at all.
- You can check your radiator hoses on a more regular basis and clean them off when you see any rust, gunk or grime starting to make that space their home.
- There are also stainless steel hose clamps that can resist the rust, they cannot prevent the gunk and and grime but may be easier to clean.
Part of keeping your car or truck happy and running well is keeping the radiator and its hoses happy. Changing the radiator hoses and checking on the heavy duty hose clamps is just a part of that routine maintenance that can keep your car or truck running for a long time.