Soon time to replace coolant hose,any and all tips welcome.

[Z51JEFF]

I'm going to tackle this job here pretty soon on my 91 and I'm looking for any and all tips tips to help me out. I'm working in a one car garage so I want it to go as smoothly as possible. Any obstacles to look for,will have among the top shroud off help ease any grief that might pop up? I've got a set of the clamp pliers.If anyone can think of the biggest hassles to the smallest details I'm all ears. Thanks to all for any info.

[A26B]

With the shroud off, remove the cooling fans & radiator. Only with the radiator removed, can it be cleaned properly of all the debris it's collected during its life.

Makes access to the hoses easier & will increase cooling efficiency.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Hey Jeff,

Did you decide on silicone hoses? If so, definitely get the special clamps that don't cut into the hoses. I have to do this soon too and will replace with Fluidyne radiator and SRP thermostat while I'm at it. No cursing allowed (ha, ha...that guaranteed).

[GOLDCYLON]

When you remove the cross over tube make sure you replace the new hoses in the same orientation (angles) on the tube as the old hoses. As you pull one make you immediately replace the hose exactly as the one you just pulled off. Spray penetrating oil on the backside of the holes for the bolts that mate the thermostat cover to the housing. You well need to remove it to get that short hose on. No way around that. If you don't spray the oil in the backside of the screw hole you might snap the bolts. I suggest replacing the hoses with silicone and make sure you get stainless clamps. I just did this project on my 90 I bought my no logo hoses from Jerry along with the clamps.

[Dynomite]

I have not removed radiator or cowling to do that job but did have trouble removing one of those original hose clamps on the main Water Pump bottom hose. Removing Original Coolant Hose Clamps TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=241352)

Also.....those bolts in the Thermostat Housing can be broken off and if tight I would use a little heat from a torch on thermostat housing.
Also....MAKE SURE you get that New Thermostat Gasket seated using a thin blade to keep it in place as you put the two halves of the thermostat housing together.
You have to hold the two halves of the Housing together as you tighten the bolts as there is pressure from the thermostat to push the two halves apart. Install that short Hose between thermostat Housing and Radiator before you bolt the Thermostat Housing to the Frame.
Also. ...I use a thin coat of Permatex on all pipes and inside hose ends when replacing hoses.
Also......I use Jerrys Rounded Clamps on ALL Hoses and use I think a 7mm socket on those hose clamps to tighten.
Also......Set the clamp screw so it is easily reached from bottom or top with a 1/4 socket wrench and various extensions.
Also......I use a 180 deg Thermostat with the two slots in the bottom (from Marc) and I think Jerry has the correct thermostat also http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/thermostat-coolant-stant-90-95-4d2/
Also.......when you replace coolant........I use the Blow technique to make sure the Air is Out of the Water Pump Area.
See Getting the Air Out Simplified TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=189150) for the Simplified Discussion regarding The Air Locked Water Pump.

Oh....and getting those original hoses off may require you take a razor blade and cut lengthwise where the hose fits on the various pipes.
That is prolly the Biggest issue getting the original hoses off right up there with getting the New Thermostat gasket in place properly.

[efnfast]

I used Jerry's silicon hoses with heat shrink clamps, real clean installation (looks wise, install was a bitch).

[GOLDCYLON]

I have not removed radiator or cowling to do that job but did have trouble removing one of those original clips on the main Water Pump bottom.

I forgot to mention this and it was a biotch to get the new hose back on. This time I too did NOT remove the rad shroud.

Also I suggest drilling 3 1/8 inch holes in the rim of the thermostat while you are there. Have fun


GC

[GOLDCYLON]

I used Jerry's silicon hoses with heat shrink clamps, real clean installation (looks wise, install was a bitch).

And I thought it only took ME 3 hrs. :neutral: Getting those dorman style hose clamps was a real PITA even with the right tool. [-X

[HAWAIIZR-1]

And I thought it only took ME 3 hrs. :neutral: Getting those dorman style hose clamps was a real PITA even with the right tool. [-X

I at least have to get the right tool. My memory is a bit foggy the first time dealing with these hose clamps, but it was a ball buster.

What do you think about the one used in this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quF4UYv6-Pc

[Dynomite]

This thread describes what I went through to remove one of those stock hose clamps and a very similar tool (identified by Scrrem) to what Craig describes.

Removing Original Coolant Hose Clamps TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=241352)

[HAWAIIZR-1]

This thread describes what I went through to remove one of those stock hose clamps and a very similar tool (identified by Scrrem) to what Craig describes.

Removing Original Coolant Hose Clamps TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=241352)

Thanks for the confirmation about this tool Cliff. I missed the original post by Rich. I'm ordering one as soon as I click submit reply on this post. This tool should be a pay it forward tool since once you remove these clamps from the General, the tool is not needed again (I better check my other brand cars first; I see Audis and VW among others have these clamps too). I can only say that those clamps from the factory are pretty awesome as PITA they are since cars way past 20 years old have no leaks that I have every experienced and can't get loose, that is for sure. :cheers:

[HAWAIIZR-1]

This thread describes what I went through to remove one of those stock hose clamps and a very similar tool (identified by Scrrem) to what Craig describes.

Removing Original Coolant Hose Clamps TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=241352)

Thanks again! Ordered the Astro instead. Made in Taiwan so pick your poison:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiCfGp0y_ww Here is a review of the difference with the OTC.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D3N7YW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Product Description
PLEASE NOTE: this item is manufactured with either red or purple handles; the color is not an option but depends on what the manufacturer sends. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but there is no color choice option available to customers. Allows for extra reach, removal and locking of clamps into open position.Allows for removal of plastic and/or metal self-tightening hose clamps with diameters of 11/16" - 2-1/2" (18mm-54mm).Precision clamp on end of flexible cable allows for extended reach where other models cannot reach.Pliers can be locked, freeing up your hands and making your job easier and faster.Pliers have a lifetime warranty.Cable and spring are wearable items and must be replaced.Astro Pneumatic 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers


From the Manufacturer:
The Astro Pneumatic 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers has a re-engineered double gear lock lever with wider and deeper gears for secure locking. It also features a new and improved cable assembly with larger cable and stronger connection for maximum strength. New cable adjuster and multiple gear lock provide accurate and secure locking for any clamp position between minimum and maximum range. Unit allows for removal of plastic and/or metal self-tightening hose clamps with diameters of 11/16-inch - 2-1/2-inch (18mm - 54mm). Precision clamp on the end of the flexible cable allows for extended range where other models cannot reach. Pliers can be locked, freeing up your hands and making your job easier and faster. US Patent # 6,370,985 B1, France Patent # 0012910, Cable Assembly - #9409ACA

[Dynomite]

Thanks again! Ordered the Astro instead. Made in Taiwan so pick your poison:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiCfGp0y_ww Here is a review of the difference with the OTC.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003D3N7YW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Product Description
PLEASE NOTE: this item is manufactured with either red or purple handles; the color is not an option but depends on what the manufacturer sends. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but there is no color choice option available to customers. Allows for extra reach, removal and locking of clamps into open position.Allows for removal of plastic and/or metal self-tightening hose clamps with diameters of 11/16" - 2-1/2" (18mm-54mm).Precision clamp on end of flexible cable allows for extended reach where other models cannot reach.Pliers can be locked, freeing up your hands and making your job easier and faster.Pliers have a lifetime warranty.Cable and spring are wearable items and must be replaced.Astro Pneumatic 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers


From the Manufacturer:
The Astro Pneumatic 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers has a re-engineered double gear lock lever with wider and deeper gears for secure locking. It also features a new and improved cable assembly with larger cable and stronger connection for maximum strength. New cable adjuster and multiple gear lock provide accurate and secure locking for any clamp position between minimum and maximum range. Unit allows for removal of plastic and/or metal self-tightening hose clamps with diameters of 11/16-inch - 2-1/2-inch (18mm - 54mm). Precision clamp on the end of the flexible cable allows for extended range where other models cannot reach. Pliers can be locked, freeing up your hands and making your job easier and faster. US Patent # 6,370,985 B1, France Patent # 0012910, Cable Assembly - #9409ACA

Thanks for the information...as it turns out this tool has multiple uses from the video you found.....thanks Craig :handshak:

And a comparison between a couple of different tools.........which comparison makes sense to me. :cheers:

Your Post above is in the sixth Post of -Solutions- under the Heading COOLANT SYSTEM, HOSES, LEAKS

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Thanks for the information...as it turns out this tool has multiple uses from the video you found.....thanks Craig :handshak:

And a comparison between a couple of different tools.........which comparison makes sense to me. :cheers:

Your Post above is in the sixth Post of -Solutions- under the Heading COOLANT SYSTEM, HOSES, LEAKS

Hey Cliff, if I can be of help to the World-Renowed Technical Contributor "Dynomite", I am honored........:notworthy

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j86/hawaiizr1/dynomite_zps815d4345.jpg

The Astro clamp tool had me at, "Deeper Double Gear Lock" on its package...ha, ha.

[Z51JEFF]

Thanks for all the tips so far,any difficulties or obstacles are what I'm looking for. I've got the clamp tool mentioned. I'm going with the OEM hoses so the OEM clamps are what I'm using. Hopefully I'll be in a new house within 6 months with a full garage with more room so might wait until then but I've been putting this off for awhile now but might just dive in and do it now. Here's my plan: Pull the top shroud,pull the oil cooler lines and whatever I need to get clear access to all the hoses and clamps. I'll raise the front a few inches to get a clear shot at the T-housing. I want to make this as painless as possible,hence all the questions. While I'm at it I plan on pulling the plenum to check on my TB bypass to see how it's holding up. I've been wanting to get under there anyway to apply a fresh coat of heatsink barrier cream under the ICM.