These silicone radiator hoses wont stop leaking

[q2418130103p]

So last year I made a couple bad decisions.

1) The budget was running low, so I went with some knock-off silicone radiator hoses from china-bay.
2) I filled the car with whatever coolant I found at autozone.


No matter how much I tighten these hoses they WILL leak, and they not only leak when hot but they also leaked just sitting. The hose clamps are on so tight that the hoses are about to be damaged. My second mistake really isnt that bad, but since these pipes keep leaking I can see how gross and goo-ish this coolant really is, which makes me wonder what gross-ness is building inside my very clean and fresh engine.

I refuse to believe that I NEED t-bolt clamps for radiator hoses, so is it just the case that my Chinese silicone doesnt make a very good seal...? If so, I will just buy something nicer tomorrow and get them in before the weekend. The car is coming out of winter storage this weekend.

Thanks,
Jay

[dodgers_fan]

What brand, or website did you get them from?

[green-lantern]

If you are using stock clamps then that is your problem. Get better clamps, my samco hoses leaked with stock clamps. New regular clamps worked but I got T clamps later.

[whitedevilstealth]

get the upper one from 3sx in the "one off parts" section. very thick hose then buy 2 t bolts the hoses are only 15 bucks

[Toni]

I have a polished stainless upper pipe with silicone couplers. I had the same issue with regular worm clamps and stock clamps. After going with tclamps not a drop since.

[TUFFTR]

If not, use a bit of vaso under the hose so it creates a seal? Just a suggestion if your not using worm clamps..

[q2418130103p]

hm, interesting. I guess I will go ahead and put on t-bolt clamps.

I am currently using worm clamps, not the stock clamps. Hopefully I haven't damaged the hoses the badly, silicone started pushing through the little holes in the worm clamp because I tightened then so much..

I have no idea what brand they are. I cant find then on e-bay anymore.

-EDIT- They are OBX hoses, half the cost of the samco.

[TUFFTR]

Very strange man, I have OBX hoses on both cars, with worm clamps and have never ever had a leak!

[whitedragon]

My OBX hoses leaked as well, and as soon as I got them nice and tight, they started weeping out of imperfections in the hose itself!

Guess who's going back to stock!

Pretty disappointing, since several other STL folks got their hoses the same time I got mine, and we're all switching back.

[q2418130103p]

My OBX hoses leaked as well, and as soon as I got them nice and tight, they started weeping out of imperfections in the hose itself!

Guess who's going back to stock!

Pretty disappointing, since several other STL folks got their hoses the same time I got mine, and we're all switching back.

hm, whelp I can order some samcos and have them before the weekend, or I get try the clamps...

Anyone else have the same experience as whitedragon and I?