Bottom Radiator Hose Leaking at Radiator

[Fourward]

63 R1 Avanti. Has anyone installed a lower radiator hose recently? I know this sounds stupid but I cannot clamp it so it stops leaking. Anyone have any tips?

[DWR46]

I am not a big fan of this approach, but I have used it successfully on some pre-war (WWII) cars with badly corroded aluminum water pumps. Coat the pipe on the radiator with a light covering of black silicone (RTV) and then install the hose. The silicone "gasket maker' will fill in any deviations in the seal and you will have no leaks.

[Bill Hanlon]

I double clamp the hose. 

[Fourward]

I just bought two new clamps. I will do that. Do you put the hose on short of that lip...ridge... on the intake pipe? Because right after that the pipe is not really round, it has a build up of metal, or a portion of the radiator infringes on the pipe. If I put the hose on smooth pipe, short of the ridge, and two clamps? Will try this afternoon.

[DWR46]

Fourward: the lip or "ridge" is a "blow off lip". The clamp (in theory) goes on the radiator side of the lip to prevent the hose from blowing off the radiator if you have a pressure build up. The lip is there to prevent the clamp and hose from sliding off the pipe. 

[Fourward]

Thank you Bill and DWR.

[John Brissette]

Google    "Gates Heat Shrink Radiator Clamps".   They work like shrink tubing. They will shrink to whatever shape you have. That's the good news. I  have used them and I like them. I have no leaks! The bad news is they are pricey, and a one time use. Add to that ,when you need to remove them, you should have their special tool, or you will cut the hose in the removal process. Ask me how I know.

John

 

[Fourward]

Neat! Never heard of them, I'll look them up. I put two clamps on, got NAPA clamps, couldn't even find GATES, no coolant came out as before. Fingers crossed.