http://www.vifbody.ca/articles/displayarticle.php?id=4

I am trying to do that heater flush, but I could only get one clamp off(the left one if you're looking at it). Well after i got off the clamp, i couldnt get the hose off. So i just left he clamp danging when i drove it, and well it was leaking coolant. So now im trying to get it back on there, but I CANT DO IT! I have been using a pair of needle nose pliers, but if i squeeze on it to open it up, I cant pull it towards me to get it back on the hose...can anyone help me out here?

 

You have to open the clamp as much as you can and keep it from tilting so that it does not catch on the hose. Try lubricating the hose so the clamp has a better chance of sliding.

 

I can't stand spring clamps. I've replaced all mine with screw clamps. Maybe that would help in your location.

- Brent

 

You need to ditch those stock clamps. They aren't made to use over and over again and they suck anyways.

 

Get the stainless worm type clamps... the stock ones are one shot deals..
Also I would'nt ride around without clamps on the heater hoses one might pop off...

 

Ok yea, i need to get some of thsoe screw clamps...I got the one back on, but I cant get the one off of the bigger hose! If i get some new ones to replace them, yall know a good way to get off that clamp? I could break it somehow, but its sooo hard to get your hands back there.

 

When I flushed my heater core, it took me about 45 min. 20 minutes was spent cussing, pulling, and laying on top of the engine trying to get the hoses off. A little ingenuity and perserverance, I finally got them off. Another 10 minutes was spent cussing, laying on top of the engine and opening band-aids to get the damn clamps back on. I guess bottom line is, don't give up, cause I sure as hell enjoyed the heater working again.

 

Yea...well look at my location...right now its not exactly freezing cold. But when I get some time, I will sure as hell try and get that second one off. The bigger clamp is a major bitch. What tool did you use to get it, cause needle nose pliers are seriously not working!(atleast not on the second one)