Best - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

rkreigh · 01-19-2008

sears and a few other tool stores have a "cable clamp tool" it's designed specifically for the spring clamps which maintain tension. the LT5 has a high flow water pump and I used the fancy clamps we sell on the store and went to the samco hoses. it didn't happen at first, but I too notice the "coolant smell" and I have tightened up the clamps but still am getting the smell. for that reason, I would stay with the factory clamps. they are cheap, work, and although a pain to work with, likely will eliminate this problem.

the hoses are tough to work on. remove the belt and the tensioner to make access a bit easier. a lift really helps getting to the thermostat housing and the short hoses are very tight.

the samco hoses look great and will likely last longer than the car!

bradslt5 · 01-19-2008

that tool he talked about makes working with the clamps easy .i got mine a kragens for 10 bucks.sure beats them snapping back on your fingers which smarts

Aurora40 · 01-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkreigh

sears and a few other tool stores have a "cable clamp tool" it's designed specifically for the spring clamps which maintain tension.

I agree. Scott, before you decide they are tough to work on, try it out. In my opinion a specialized remote tool is easier to work with than screw-type clamps. I've never seen a remote screwdriver, and if the clamp is in a tight area or rotated wrong, a screw-type clamp can be a real bear too.

The best feature of the OEM clamps is they are constant pressure. Put them on lined up straight, and you will never have to mess with them again. They'll never loosen up and need to be retightened. As the hose deforms and becomes permanently impressed, OEM clamps will take up the slack.

Just my opinion, but I really think the OEM ones are the way to go. If you can't find a tool locally, feel free to borrow mine.

Looks are sort of subjective. I cleaned mine up and sprayed them with some matte black hi-temp paint. But I just wanted them to not stand out, and I always found it odd the OEM one on the upper radiator was not black like the rest.

HIZNHRZ · 01-19-2008

Nuff said. If the aftermarket clamps can't do the job like the factory clamps I'll stick with the factory clamps. Thanks to all for the benefit of your collective experience!

01-19-2008	#1
rkreigh Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Alex VA Posts: 1,080	Re: Best sears and a few other tool stores have a "cable clamp tool" it's designed specifically for the spring clamps which maintain tension. the LT5 has a high flow water pump and I used the fancy clamps we sell on the store and went to the samco hoses. it didn't happen at first, but I too notice the "coolant smell" and I have tightened up the clamps but still am getting the smell. for that reason, I would stay with the factory clamps. they are cheap, work, and although a pain to work with, likely will eliminate this problem. the hoses are tough to work on. remove the belt and the tensioner to make access a bit easier. a lift really helps getting to the thermostat housing and the short hoses are very tight. the samco hoses look great and will likely last longer than the car!

01-19-2008	#2
bradslt5 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: lone pine and mammoth lakes ca. Posts: 544	Re: Best that tool he talked about makes working with the clamps easy .i got mine a kragens for 10 bucks.sure beats them snapping back on your fingers which smarts

01-19-2008	#4
HIZNHRZ Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 732	Re: Best Nuff said. If the aftermarket clamps can't do the job like the factory clamps I'll stick with the factory clamps. Thanks to all for the benefit of your collective experience!