Coolant clamps, and hose.

[John316]

I know that we have been through this, a couple of times.

However, where can I get the Gates blue stripe hose? Central power doesn't have it, Carquest doesn't have it, Napa doesn't have it...Who would? Everybody has green stripe, but not the blue strip.

Also, do we need spring loaded hose clamps? Most of them are the spring loaded type (too keep proper tension), but the ones that are regular old hose clamps leek coolant when it get's cold.

Thanks guys.

God bless,

John

[RickB]

John,

I have heard a number of guys talking about double clamping hoses just in case with the more expensive clamps. Didn't somebody blow up their motor this summer because they lost a hose clamp? I seem to remember reading about it...

I would check with mohawk or C&J coach here in Minneapolis definitely has access to it.

nine five two 881-0034 ask for Fred

hope it helps,
Rick

[John316]

Thanks, Rick.

I do like the double clamp idea. Now is the "more expensive" clamps the ones that are like a regular strap, hose clamp, except they have a spring in the mechanism to keep the proper tension on it?

God bless,

John

[RickB]

John,

If my bus was in the driveway I could tell you what they look like !!

I drove it to the lot where i'm storing it last Monday.

I honestly don't remember what they look like.

sorry, but I'm sure somebody here knows.

Rick

[RickB]

I found one they are called contant torque clamps

[RickB]

here it is

[luvrbus]

John, buy the blue stripe hose at Freightliner or any Heavy duty truck dealer Napa sells the constant tension clamps and the worm gear clamps with the liners work good also. The green stripe is a good hose why worry with finding the blue stripe. 


good luck

[rv_safetyman]

John, most of my 34 years at Gates was on the industrial side.  However, Gates Green Stripe was the best for heavy duty applications during my tenure.  So, I did some looking and it looks like they now have Blue Stripe as the product for that market.  In the catalog it says that it is an OE product and does not suggest it is an aftermarket product.

I would think that,if you can't find blue stripe, green stripe would be fine.

Having said that, I have now switched to Aeorquip FC332 hose (http://www.aeroquip.cc/fbv1200fc332-12aeroquipsocketlesspush-onhosehightemp.aspx).  I just bought some today.  I paid over $7 per foot for the -12 (3/4 inch).  Looks like you can get it cheaper.  Seems to be readily available.  I am very impressed with the construction, and Aeorquip is a leading manufactureer.

Jim

Update:  I meant to make the point that a truck application is really pretty easy on coolant hose.  The coolant temperature as well as the under-hood temperature is much less than today's cars.  The big issue is the amount of time that the hose sees the conditions. 

A bus application is a bit worse, but my engine compartment temperature is less than 200 degrees which is as much as 100 degrees less than many of today's cars.

When you consider how little we drive our buses, the time exposure is pretty small compared to a commercial application.  So, bottom line, we really don't need all that really expensive hose.  But I still think it is cheap insurance to buy the best you can.