Both of the clamps on my heat ex-changer are broken. They appear to be OEM parts as they are painted the same color as the engine. Naturally they were easy enough to remove, but installing the new ones seems to require a bit of magic. I have removed the heat ex-changer but I can’t get the clamps to go through the slots. Any hints? Cursing does not seem to help.
Randy Gadikian
Phoenix
Nonsuch 26 C #37
Buffalo, New York
I used a small flathead screwdriver to help persuade it out of the slot. It’s a bit tricky. But if you coax it out with the screwdriver while pushing the clamp, you should manage to get it to go through.
No luck with the small screwdriver.. I hesitate to just let it hang by the hoses. Heavy sigh..
Randy
Randy, it is a boat from Canada. Did you try cursing in French?
lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY
Not yet. But if you think it would help I will give it a try.
Randy
On Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 7:24:52 PM UTC-4 Julie & Lloyd on Rendezvous wrote:
If we don’t all curse in French already anyway, why was I always taught to say, “Pardon my French?”
On the other hand, I’m still learning how many of the things I was also taught were in the range from inappropriate to ill-advised.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
The new clamps are now in after too many hours . Tomorrow I refill the cooling system. Too many curses, a little pleading and naturally a little blood.
Thanks everyone for your advice and good humor.
All is well.
Randy
Good to hear, Randy.
When it comes to projects like that, all’s well that ends. Period.
'Scuse me while I go wipe up some blood of my own.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch 26U #233
Suggest you borrow a pressure test kit from the local auto parts store. I have found that getting things tight is not easy and if those clamps were painted the hoses are over 40 years old and will be brittle particularly where they have been clamped. If those old hoses start to leak you’ll never get them tight enough to seal.
New hoses are not cheap and draining the system is a mess of job, but draining should be done every 5 years. I use Cat coolant.
I have replaced all the hoses on the heat exchanger over the last few years. I found a convenient and relatively inexpensive source of hose was the local a local NAPA auto parts store with an enthusiastic staff and a well stocked selection of formed hoses. A razor knife resulted in clean cuts to the proper lengths. No leaking after 5 years and reasonable prices.
Randy
I suspect it was the blood sacrifice that did the trick.
Mark Powers
I have made blood sacrifices to the Nonsuch gods over the years for a variety of successful projects. Rudder gussets, and the bow reconstruction required more blood that I care to think about.
Randy