Leaky heater hose tricks?

[C&C Chevy]

I got a leaky heater hose. The 5/8 hose that goes to the heater core is leaking after the truck warms up. I replaced the hose and clamp, but it still leaking. The old hose had a hole where the clamp was pinching it. Anyone use T-clamps on the smaller heater hoses? Kind of scared to tighten the cheapy clamps too tight.

[piecesparts]

ARE YOU sure it is the hose and not the heater core tube?

[hiway]

I've heard ole timers say to put axle grease on then the hose. Maybe double clamp it with the screw on opposite sides from one another. Heater cores are fragile so I always cut the hoses off with a razor knife. Generally if it's leaking at the fitting with a new hose then it's loose or your fitting is scratched or bent.

[C&C Chevy]

It's leaking outside the cab, right below the tube. The inside of the cab floor is dry and I don't smell any coolant in the cab. I'll take the hose off and check the heater core tubes out. I didn't really pay much attention to them since I saw the hole in the hose and figured all I needed was a new hose. Maybe something on the metal tube not letting the hose get a good seal?

[Slonaker]

I had the same problem, and it just about drove me crazy. I replaced the hose and clamp about 3 times without success. I was trying to do it right by cleaning everything well and installing a new hose, but it just kept leaking.

A mechanic friend told me to buy a good quality hose and clamp. I had been using some no-name hose and a clamp that came from who knows where. I bought some good Gates heater hose and a USA made clamp, cleaned everything up just like before, and installed everything. That fixed it. I don't know why it made a difference, but it did...

Slonaker

[Zilverado]

Originally Posted by Slonaker

...That fixed it. I don't know why it made a difference, but it did...
Slonaker

Quality usually makes a difference.

I have occasionally used the double-clamp from opposites side trick myself (as hiway sugested). Seems to work well. If it is the hose connection - and not the heater core pipe - that is leaking, a good quality hose and solid clamp(s) should do it.

[C&C Chevy]

The hose is a Goodyear heater hose. I guess it's a good hose? The clamps are from autozone. They were the only ones they had, look like generic screw type clamps.

[Slonaker]

Originally Posted by Zilverado

Quality usually makes a difference.

I agree, but I have never had problems with the cheap stuff not sealing. The problem is usually just that they don't last.

I use only gates hoses now, and have for the last several years, but I had some old Auto Zone junk in the garage. Every time I go cheap on parts, I regret it soon after.

Slonaker

[89 crew]

Pull the hose off clean it and the heater core, put a light layer of rtv on the heater tube then put it back together with a good clamp.

[lurch115]

find a place that sells good clamps... as i have had similar problems with fuel lines.....a good hose is only as good as the clamp holding it