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Topic: Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp (Read 677 times) previous topic - next topic

Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp

This morning I fired up the bus to let run. After walking away for a short time I returned to find coolant on the ground. So after reading all the bad news lately on High $$$$$ radiator replacements I though the worst case possible and thought to myself this could get costly...Not a good way to start the day.
Well the good news is, all it was was a lose hose clamp on the 3rd hose up from the ground,""I took a picture"" going into the radiator... I don't know why but it seams to me that after the first GOOD Cold front of the seasen I find a lose leaky hose clamp on my cooling system....Point being it might be a good time of year to check the Hose clamps,,,,Y'all have fun 
1996 U270 36'

Re: Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp

Reply #1 –
Quote from: 96u270 –
I don't know why but it seams to me that after the first GOOD Cold front of the seasen I find a lose leaky hose clamp on my cooling system....Point being it might be a good time of year to check the Hose clamps,,,,

Same thing apparently happened to us at the Grandvention, except it was on one of the lines of the transmission cooler.  Good recommendation for an annual/first cold front check ^.^d
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp

Reply #2 –
This is particularly true of larger diameter applications.

The metal pipe contracts/"shrinks" in colder temperatures so the hose has a looser fit and can leak. 

Always a good idea to check clamps and tighten them a little as the temperatures cool.

Be sure to top off your coolant with the correct coolant (more of that you are running in the cooling system). It is not a good idea to mix coolants, as there are some very different formulations out there. As an example, mixing more than a small amount of regular "low silicate coolant for diesel with SCA" with any OAT-based coolant renders its effective life cut in half.

I have done mechanical inspections on several coaches this month where the coolant reservoir was completely empty and radiator had air in it.  Please look at the coolant level in your reservoir.  If it does not change between cold engine and after driving, you have air in the cooling system.  If the cooling system is properly filled/has no air, the level in the reservoir will rise a couple of inches between cold and after driving.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp

Reply #3 –
Our primary cooling system and CAC connections use spring-loaded T-bolt hose clamps, which seem like an excellent solution.  Not sure why FT didn't use them on all hose connections (the cooling hose connections to our transmission heat exchanger are just regular hose clamps.)

Hard to find in diameters below ~2", though.

http://www.caphardwaresupply.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=65_69_95

T-Bolt Clamp - Spring Loaded

T-Bolt Clamps ? Spring Loaded. Stainless & Band

Dave and Nancy
1999/2013 U270 36' Xtreme
Motorcade # 16774
2013 Subaru Outback
KD0NIM
 

Re: Don't know why, but first cold front often equals loose hose clamp

Reply #4 –
Thanks Dave for the links, I'll look into replacing all hose clamps soon to be on the safe side...I would hate to end up on the side of the road for something so simple
1996 U270 36'