New Hoses Won't Seal

[funcrew]

I replaced all the coolant hoses except for the ones under the intake manifold. There are several connections now that leak, even with the hose clamp squared up and tight. I've never had this problem before in a lot of years of putting hoses on.

Any advice on how to get 'em to seal?

[MR 325]

Do it better?

[Danny]

Do it better?

Ouch...

Nothing more to add.

[funcrew]

Do it better?

Ah, it's never smart to crack wise with an admin on this forum, so I'll just whimper and take it, 'cause getting banned and forced over to that other forum would be bitter.

I already used new hoses, cleaned the metal housings, and squared up the clamps. That's all the "do it better" I know of, so there must be more since what I did didn't work. So now I'm looking for the guru stuff, the R3V magic, the secret inner-sanctum handshake of radiator hose installation.

Does that entail replacing the BavAuto new hoses I got with real BMW ones that fit a little better? Are there better clamps than the OEM ones that came with the car? Help me out.

[rcko]

Which specifically? Maybe try replacing the clamps.

I really can see why these would leak. Is it the ones connecting to the metal tube / pipe running across the front of the engine? IF it is make sure the interface is round and has not been bent into an oval shape. Worse comes to worse, try using some offthe shelves one with a slightly smaller ID.

[swimstarguy]

I had the same problem with getting my coolant hoses to stay tight on my radiator.
I made the "male" end a little "fatter" by smearing JB Weld around it and smoothing it out. Worked like a charm and never "leaked."


~Zar4

[thereisnoyun]

make sure the fitting is not corroded
- the part the hose is connected to
- make absolutely sure you are using new clamps. NEW

I have used old clamps the leaks like nobody's business. The hose clamps are not reusable or so advertised.

[kenika65]

New clamps and try some sealant. Do you by any chance have high coolant pressure from a sticking thermostat or clogged return line? Also all hoses should be put on with force not all hoses should just slip on. I use the sealant as a lubricant and a sealant! Also don't tighten the clamp so tight that the hose is coming out of the grooves on the clamp. Any pictures?

[funcrew]

New clamps and try some sealant. Do you by any chance have high coolant pressure from a sticking thermostat or clogged return line? Also all hoses should be put on with force not all hoses should just slip on. I use the sealant as a lubricant and a sealant! Also don't tighten the clamp so tight that the hose is coming out of the grooves on the clamp. Any pictures?

All hoses were tight & required force to push on. Clamps are the non-perforated BMW OEM ones so no grooves, but might be too tight as you say. What sealant did you use?