Fuel Hose Clamps Will Not Tighten...

[chill]

Changed my fuel pump, but now the hoses are leaking due to weak clamps. Everytime I tighten the clamp it backs out, sounds stupid I know but it won’t catch the next ‘tooth.’

I picked up even smaller hose clamps from Autozone just now and the same thing happens. It just doesn’t tighten and becomes loose again...

I’m using a 1/4 socket. Any ideas?

Update: T-Clamps working beautifully; ordering a new hose for piece of mind.

Final Update: New hose is on, with the T-Clamps. No leaks! Time for a shower, and a full tank of 91. Thanks everyone for the help.

[roguetoaster]

That's not really an appropriate clamp for a fuel line. Ideally you want a specific fuel line style clamp which normally does not have exposed "teeth" but instead has a solid sliding surface.

Also, most clamps have a fairly specific range of effectiveness, which that as little as a couple of mm outside of that may make it torque out/slip or clamp out of round.

[chill]

That's not really an appropriate clamp for a fuel line. Ideally you want a specific fuel line style clamp which normally does not have exposed "teeth" but instead has a solid sliding surface.

Also, most clamps have a fairly specific range of effectiveness, which that as little as a couple of mm outside of that may make it torque out/slip or clamp out of round.

Odd, the OEM clamps are the exact same ‘tooth’ style type. The solid sliding surface type seems like my best bet, thanks.

[roguetoaster]

Not quite, the OE clamps are like an embossed metal strip, the clamps that really don't work are the through stamped ones. I too am not sure why BMW thought those OE clamps were correct, but they were at least of good quality, so they often worked well enough.

[e30davie]

That clamp is miles to big. so you are trying to bend it around a small pipe when it was designed for a larger pipe.

The best fuel clamps ive come across are the T Bar ones specifically designed for fuel line, like this -

https://www.efihardware.com/products...el-hose-clamps

[chill]

Not quite, the OE clamps are like an embossed metal strip, the clamps that really don't work are the through stamped ones. I too am not sure why BMW thought those OE clamps were correct, but they were at least of good quality, so they often worked well enough.

They worked fine for the fuel pump I had, but that thing was so loud and annoying hah. Once I put in the new pump, the clamps just couldn't take the actual functioning pressure, I guess. Much thanks.

[chill]

That clamp is miles to big. so you are trying to bend it around a small pipe when it was designed for a larger pipe.

The best fuel clamps ive come across are the T Bar ones specifically designed for fuel line, like this -

https://www.efihardware.com/products...el-hose-clamps

Just ordered one-day on a set, thank you brother.

[moatilliatta]

Genuine BMW clamps are quite nice if you can make it to your dealer. P/N ends in 104

[chill]

Genuine BMW clamps are quite nice if you can make it to your dealer. P/N ends in 104

Yep, those are the ones! I tried reusing them, but I'm sure they weren't meant to last from '85 lol. I think the fuel hose is just too squished from over the years; I'm sure if I had a new pair and fresh hose, it would've worked like a charm.

[e30davie]

If you have the length cut the fuel line down a bit so you are clamping on a new bit.

[chill]

If you have the length cut the fuel line down a bit so you are clamping on a new bit.

Did not think of that, will do & will post an update.
I am dreading taking off the lines again though, never knew how bad gas stings on skin.

[e30austin]

imperial hose clamps suck. the exposed worm gear and exposed serrations allow the clamp to cut into the hose, as you torque it down tighter. i hate hate hate those things with a fucking passion.

you want OE BMW hose clamps, it's what the cars were assembled with when they were new. 07 12 9 952 104, 12-15mm, perfect for an 8x13 fuel hose.

[roguetoaster]

Did not think of that, will do & will post an update.
I am dreading taking off the lines again though, never knew how bad gas stings on skin.

You can readily acquire a line clamp that will keep the vast majority of the fuel held in place.

Also, if you are at that point where you need to cut the line to find a fresh section you are at the point where you need to replace the rubber line.

[Jaxx_]

Wuerth Zebra clamps are similar to OE and I've really enjoyed using them to replace even the T-bar clamps which couldn't cut it for me.

[chill]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, T-Clamps were a bit of a struggle to get on initially but work extremely well. Updated the OP; might as well order a new hose since no gas is leaking anymore. Think my tank is empty now haha.