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Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

August 09, 2015, 11:19:05 am

I've got a slow coolant leak. It looks like I can just tighten the clamps. Should I use a tourque wrench? If so, how many pounds?

Thanks all!

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #1 – August 09, 2015, 11:42:36 am

Just try tightening the clamps by hand first with eng cold. Sometimes that's all it needs, then keep an eye on it.

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #2 – August 09, 2015, 11:52:28 am

This is not uncommon.  Usually occurs if these hoses have been removed recently and after the engine has cooled.  The expansion and contraction of heating and cooling work the clamp a little loose after initial (re)installation.  The stack of washers is called a belleville spring.  It's purpose is help keep the tension when the engine cools to prevent the seepage you are seeing.
I would tighten them up but you do need to be careful not to strip out the worm drive.  T-Bolt clamp are superior in this regard - they can be seen in the upper photo to the left of the leaking hose.  Even better at T-Bolts with a coil spring under the nut to help maintain pressure in the cold state.
You can see a few here: McMaster-Carr

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #3 – August 09, 2015, 12:26:50 pm

Thanks guys.

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #4 – August 09, 2015, 12:53:37 pm

Yes, very common, particularly with larger hose sizes and when cold.  The constant torque clamps are the correct answer.

And, if there is room for two clamps on a hose end, do that and have the torque nuts 180 degrees from each other.  BTW, that is required on all marine hoses below the water line.  Keeps the whole ocean from running into the boat!

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #5 – August 09, 2015, 01:04:15 pm

Jeff,

I had the same problem after our first trip to NAC in January 2014.  I noticed a few drips of coolant on the ground and found the leaky hose like you did.  I tightened the clamp around the leaky hose down a little with a screw driver being careful not to tighten too much as John has recommended. Do it when the engine is cold and watch it as Richard has suggested.  I've had no problems since as these are heavy duty hoses and the clamps can be easily checked for tightness. 

Jerry

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #6 – August 09, 2015, 03:53:22 pm

I would definitely try the hose clamps first. If that doesn't work it could be from the weep hole in back of the water pump. It's difficult to see. You have to wind your way up from underneath and get just the right angle (bring a flashlight and be sure to use safety stands!). By checking after a run down the highway you might see a drop or 2 coming out the weep hole. If so you are on your way to a new water pump. If it's just a drop or 2 you still have some life left in your water pump but you will need to add it to your todo list.

see ya
ken

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Re: Slow coolant leak, tighten clamps?

Reply #7 – August 09, 2015, 04:11:48 pm

I would agree with Ken on the weep hole, I played with a clamp several times and then figured out the weep hole was leaking and had to replace the water pump. not to bad of a job. Good luck.

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