syoo8

I'm buttoning up my intake and coolant hoses.

How much should I torque the worm-drive hose clamps? I don't want to tighten too little and allow a leak, but not too tight and risk ripping something.

Searching the internet, I've found disparate responses:

a) "7 lb-ft."
b) "22 inch-pounds"
c) "Tighten until the clamp does not move, then add two turns."

What do the experts say?

James Bailey

Much depends on how old are the hoses and what type and how old the hose clamps. But remember coolant system pressure is limited by the radiator cap to ONLY about 14 psi... it really should not take much

GlenL

Experts?

It's surprising that there aren't clearer specs on this. The answer will vary depending on what type of hose and clamp are being used.

A problem is that over-tightening the clamp will damage the hose or the clamp. But you don't want a leak. What side to err on? I tighten as tight as I can using a screwdriver or nut driver. A wrench gives a lot more leverage and makes it easy to be too tight. I go easy if using a wrench, or socket wrench, and would think the toque is about 2 ft lbs. So I'll go with answer "b."

A related note is that Porsche always uses good hose clamps with rolled edges and raised threads. Some go down to a fixed size and eliminate the question of what toque entirely; just make them close.

17prospective buyer

Lol, i like how you emphasize EXPERTS!! One thing to think about is getting those spring steel type that always apply the correct pressure (and a bitch to get off without hose clamp pliers). I'm sure Greg will correct us all here in a minute or two.

syoo8

2 ft-lbs sounds really low to me...

uncre8tv

Yeah, go with a nice tight 24in lbs instead.

NoVector

Where do you buy quality hose clamps? I hate the cheap ones that break as soon as the slightest torque is applied. Grainger, Fastenal?? I have a box of good and bad that I've collected over the years--but I never know 'til I use it. I'd like to throw them all away and start over.

17prospective buyer

I would imagine a good fastener place sells them, or a performance shop. Lol the buckwheat quote made me laugh, we had a co-op student at the dealership that we called Buckwheat. Dumber than a bag of hammers, useless kid.

GlenL

I got a sales kit of Norma clamps off eBay a few years back for about $50. Checking now, they want a pile of money ($150) for the same thing. Google for Norma clamps and you'll find a bunch.

NoVector

^^^^ Perfect, thank you! Just looked, also on Amazon

Edit: I also see on one of the e-bay ads "Original Equipment on Porsche, BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Jaguar, VW, Corvette and many others."

Rob Edwards

Interesting, the torque values are _really_ low.

From

https://www.belmetric.com/metric-cla...esrrcv4rl7tkh0

James Bailey

Yes like I said it should not take much

depami

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Free-Ship-75...-/140902415847

syoo8

Ok. I stand corrected! Looks like 2 ft-lbs it is!

sendarius

How much to torque hose clamps?

I'll do it for a dollar - plus travel expenses.