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Topic: Radiator Hose Clamps (Read 9 times) previous topic - next topic
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Radiator Hose Clamps
Yahoo Message Number: 50827
Some time ago, someone on this site reported having a problem with radiator hose clamps on Ford's V-10 engine.  I should have listened.
 After a long stay at home, we were going to take the LD to the Oregon coast today.  However, while doing the check out yesterday, I noted that the level of coolant in the reservoir was several inches low.
After looking and not finding anything wrong, I refilled the reservoir and started the engine just to check.  Very soon there after, coolant started pouring out on the ground under the coach.
 To shorten a long story, I found that the clamp on the engine end of the top radiator hose was broken into THREE pieces.  It was made of some type of steel and was just painted for corrosion protection.
Corroded then broken, it could be removed with finger pressure.  I replaced the broken clamp with a stainless steel hose clamp but instead of going to the beach, I have scheduled the coach into the local Ford dealer for new clamps, and while its there, new radiator hoses.  Our coach is just less than four years old so this should not have happened.

This clamp had died while the coach was essentially in storage and based on my experience and the experience of whoever posted before, this is obviously a design flaw that one should watch out for.  A coolant loss accident on the road is no joke.  If not caught, it can cause a lot of engine damage.  I recommend that everyone keep an eye on your coolant level and once in a while pull at your radiator hose clamps (with just your fingers) to see if any are loose.   You might want to carry some 2" or 2-1/4" screw-type hose clamps with you so you will have something to replace Ford's clamp if one should break on you.

Cheers

Linley
Re: Radiator Hose Clamps
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50828
Linley,

I don't know if it was my post or not that you remember but several years ago I had a similar problem.  I was
Re: Radiator Hose Clamps - My supply bin of spare parts
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50829
You might
 
Quote
want to carry some 2" or 2-1/4" screw-type hose clamps with you so you will have something to replace Ford's clamp if one should break on
you.

Quote
Cheers

Linley
Good acvice Linley. I have a container with things that might go wrong {hose clamps, fuses, light bulbs, etc.} as I believe the "break-down gods" will pass me by if I keep spares. Ya never need 'em until you don't have 'em!    ;-)

Dave

Ruby the red 04 RK
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Radiator Hose Clamps
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50831
"Some time ago, someone on this site reported having a problem with radiator hose clamps on Ford's V-10 engine. I should have listened."
 This is a well documented on the earlier V-10s. Ford was supposed to have fixed this a few years ago but it's a good idea to keep an eye on the clamps for rusting, even on later models.
One good piece of news; the V-10s have a fail-safe cooling system that allows the engine to continue to operate even when drained of coolant. It will run at a very reduced power level. It is able to do this by using half of the engine (one cylinder head at a time) to produce power and the other head pumps air only, for cooling. The computer will alternate power and cooling from one head to the other.
If the engine gets too hot, the computer will shut off the flow of fuel, completely stopping the engine until it cools sufficiently.

All in all, a very nice system that we have 'field' tested at work and has been shown effective.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Radiator Hose Clamps
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 50834
Quote
...One good piece of news; the V-10s have a fail-safe cooling system that allows the engine to continue to operate even when drained of coolant....
That's really good to know.  Thanks.

Linley