I know all hose clamps are not created equal. What are the better or best ones over the standard china stuff?
Happy Fathers day!
Constant tension ones that you can get at any of the big truck shops. Don't skimp on them they are not cheap but neither is your big Cummins engine if you overheat it.
Super. I'll get some.
Thanks
Are these considered the "T-bolt" clamps?
Not always. Some T bolts have springs to add the constant tension function. The spring in constant tension clamps keeps them tight through a wide range of temperatures. Here is one at Amazon.
Amazon.com: Mishimoto Constant Tension Worm Gear Clamp, 1.26"-2.13" (32mm-54m... (https://amazon.com/Mishimoto-MMCLAMP-CTWG-54-Constant-Tension-32mm-54mm/dp/B07XH4Y417/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3CSNRYHUFY0E6&dchild=1&keywords=constant+tension+hose+clamp&qid=1592829942&sprefix=Constanr+tension%2Caps%2C250&sr=8-8)
The T bolts types are likely heavier duty. I looked at my coach and that is what is there.
Thanks Brett.
Actually some of the better constant tension clamps are T bolt clamps: T-Bolt Clamps | Fastenal (http://www.fastenal.com/product/pneumatics/clamps-and-collars/t-bolt-clamps/603517;jsessionid=PIWkCV7AK5LTf1Kzg9q2YS1E.443d7b2e-1555-3602-a586-c0d73327934b?query=T-Bolt%2520%2520clamp&categoryId=603517&view=1&level=3&aggregationSection=true&Style=Spring+Loaded+-+Heavy+Duty&selectedAggregation=Style)
Found a company called Del City that has them and a good price.
I have seen clamps fail before. My preference would be the T-bolt clamp. Then I would Safety Wire the clamp as pictured.
T bolts constant tension with nylock nuts are pretty bomb-proof.
Agreed, T bolts constant tension with nylock nuts are pretty bomb-proof. I have seen the nylon locknuts fail in a high vibration installation and those were re-used unknown number of times. When re-used, they loose their "Prevailing Torque" feature and are susceptible to loosening. Most mechanics do not have a prevailing torque wrench available to them. So you just typically replace nylon type locknuts. That is why I would safety wire the band if I am going to reuse the locknut.
Wolf- Master, I like that idea. I'll get the T-bolt with locknut and be done with it
https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/hose-clamps?autoview=ProductName&SortBy=default&SortOrder=Ascending&cm_mmc=ppc-google-_-search-_-general-terms-_-keyword&gclid=CjwKCAjwrcH3BRApEiwAxjdPTbaAFPReNY9ucOKIb-01wn0l9H02WYggQkOeTA4ZD3G40ttQKDt_uxoCRHQQAvD_BwE
Been using Summit for years. I like Jegs a bit better for customer service and they will price match.
Thanks. Upon further inspection, as they say, I do have silicone hoses on at least half with t-clamps!!! Why they aren't all that way is a mystery to me
On the broad subject of clamps...don't forget to check your turbo-to-exhaust 'turbo clamp'. Mine broke on a climb out of Camp Verde AZ...very loud when it breaks. Very hot too.
Not all T Bolt clamps are constant tension for wide temperature variations. Get the ones with the springs and tighten them to a torque spec.
Got it
I have been reading that the latest thing in clamps is a "Floating Bridge" for T-bolts clamps. They eliminate possible buckling.
Here's an example: Amazon.com: Mishimoto Stainless Steel Constant Tension T-Bolt Clamp, 3:... (http://www.amazon.com/Mishimoto-MMCLAMP-3T-73MM-81MM-Stainless-Constant/dp/B00ED8SWIC)
"Constant Tension" seems to be a keyword for clamps with springs under the nuts. And some use disk washers for the springs.
I also included details on a recommended installation of clamps that I found. Notice the clamp should be close (but not on top of) the pipe bead.
It's also not a bad idea to install two clamps (rotate 180 degrees apart) on larger hoses (like +2"). They should be positioned close but not touching each other. This might be particularly relevant if one end moves a little (like the engine on it's mounts) and the other end is fixed to the chassis; the extra clamp keeps the hose end from sliding on the pipe and getting out of position.
My personal experience with radiator clamps is I'll have installed the clamp in summer and tighten the clamp as tight as I can (within reason) but come winter I find maybe a drip here or there. I tighten them again and then they seem to be good from then on out.