Those who have replaced Water Pump to Thermostat Hose>>>

[TCurtner]

Originally Posted by A26B

Job becomes much easier if you have the right tool to release the clamps. There is a special radiator clamp tool made for the both the OEM round & flat tipped spring style radiator hose clamps, that will stay on the clamp when plier-like handle is squeezed to expand & release the clamp. The tool handles can be rotated to make access easier. Once the clamp is expanded/released, just slide it down onto the hose, out of the way. If you're going to trash the old hose, just make a cut through one side where it fits over the water pump & twist to break it loose. Little tougher to get loose if you don't want to cut the hose.

Removing the serpentine belt tensioner as recommended, does help

This bugger>>


Have been back and forth on whether to replace (is the original) so I am leaning on replacing since I have got the ZR drained etc. For those who have done this job:
-PIA
-Not bad considering
-Special pointers/tips

Thanks
__________________
Michael

at 4.5 years late, hope the job went smoothly. i just installed a DeWitt radiator and a NOS set of hoses - and boy were those old original made-in-1990 hoses welded to the pipes and pump and thermo housing! It was absolutely ridiculous. Took me over 8 hours from start to finish, and over half that was due to the factory clamps and the hoses having become one with their connection points...I recommend that if your grip is not what it used to be, don't fall for this job. Pay someone else - it's gotta be worth it. I've always maintained that the factory should MAKE THE ENGINEERS service their systems parts - in other words, use a mock-up of the final design, and make them replace/repair parts therein. Those clamps are from Hell. And the placement of support brackets and bolts also nutz. I also concur- remove the belt tensioner pulley assy. That alone makes the water pump inlet hose clamp much easier to get to. I ditched all the original clamps and went with the screw type (worm?) stainless. Doesn't look as neat, but much easier to re-do or adjust later.
On the good side, the DeWitt went in exactly as described...I am having some trouble with getting the air out - but hopefully will get that done tomorrow.