[DeTomaso] Radiator Removal II

[Stephen]

Years ago, after seeing the damage to aluminum hose nipples in the area
under the hoses on my '69 XKE, I started smearing silicone gasket cement on
nipples before clamping on hoses.  This appears to dramatically reduce the
corrosion issue below the hoses as well as making it a heck of a lot easier
to remove the hoses when they need to come off.  Typically the hose
separates from the silicone, then I rub the silicone off of the metal
nipple.  My impression is it also cuts down on leaks, looking at the
silicone on a nipple after a hose has been removed I see a thin film below
where the clamp goes, a thicker layer between the clamped area and the ridge
at the end of the nipple, minimal on the ridge, and a bit on the other side
of the ridge.

With this I usually find I can twist the hose and it lets go.  If one is
stubborn, sliding something under the hose, as has been pointed out by
others, to create a place for the grip to weaken lets me get them off.

Works for me.

Stephen Nelson


-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso [mailto:detomaso-bounces at poca.com] On Behalf Of Charles
McCall
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2015 4:47 AM
To: detomaso at poca.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] Radiator Removal II

Right. Front hood is now in the living room. 

 

Coolant has been drained. Hose clamps for the hose that connects the
radiator have been loosened to much that they have slid onto the metal tube.
So there is nothing holding those hoses in place except, well, nothing. 

 

Neither hose seems to want to move. These hoses have been installed for
several years now and are apparently very comfortable with their situation.
I believe that they are Green Gates, so I'm reluctant to just cut them, but
is that common practice? Can these hoses that have been through numerous
heat cycles and are sort of stuck be re-used? Part of the problem is that I
can get very little leverage due to lack of space. I've released the bolts
that hold the radiator to gain just a little more room, but even so I can't
really grab them well. 

 

Are these things sacrificial or should I find a little more patience?
Thanks!