rondds
Well-Known Member
- Oct 3, 2006
- 8,859
- Boat Info
- 2001 380DA
- Engines
- Merc 8.1s (2008)...Hurth ZF 63 V-drives...WB 7.0 BCGD (2013), Garmin 8208 & 740 MFDs, GMR 24xHD dome
Just wanted to share with the group something I learned about hose clamps this weekend. This is the second time I popped a hose clamp on the raw water side of an engine in my boat. After the first time (about 2 years ago), I went around and replaced all the clamps in the system with marine grade hose clamps (ie: not the crap you get in HD). For some reason I missed the transmission oil cooler and that came back to haunt me on the way to Atlantic City with 12 other boats. I'm guessing that b/c it is tucked way up under the heat exchanger I just plain forgot to change those - out of sight...you know the rest. It was a pretty quick diagnosis and repair but if undetected, would have been catastrophic to the transmission (thank heavens for the systems monitor and the aft bilge pump light kicking on every few minutes).
Below is a photo of the busted clamp. You can't tell from the picture but it is an IDEAL hose clamp (that's what HD sells) and it corroded through NOT at slots for the worm screw (which is typically where they fail) but at the opposite end of the screw, where the UPC symbol was still affixed. I suppose the paper sticker retained moisture and expedited the corrosion and failure of the clamp.
So, here are the take home messages...
1. Do NOT use cheap-a$$ hose clamps from big box stores - you will get what you pay for.
2. If you buy a clamp and it has a sticker affixed, remove the sticker before the install
3. Ignorance is bliss. Pay close attention to your gauges, your idiot lights and your bilge pump light. Interestingly, this time, the hose did not pop off so there was NO engine temp hike as water was not gushing into the bilge, just sort of dribbling. BUt eventually the transmission light on the systems monitor did come on.
Below is a photo of the busted clamp. You can't tell from the picture but it is an IDEAL hose clamp (that's what HD sells) and it corroded through NOT at slots for the worm screw (which is typically where they fail) but at the opposite end of the screw, where the UPC symbol was still affixed. I suppose the paper sticker retained moisture and expedited the corrosion and failure of the clamp.
So, here are the take home messages...
1. Do NOT use cheap-a$$ hose clamps from big box stores - you will get what you pay for.
2. If you buy a clamp and it has a sticker affixed, remove the sticker before the install
3. Ignorance is bliss. Pay close attention to your gauges, your idiot lights and your bilge pump light. Interestingly, this time, the hose did not pop off so there was NO engine temp hike as water was not gushing into the bilge, just sort of dribbling. BUt eventually the transmission light on the systems monitor did come on.
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