Minor coolant leaks 2007 Tacoma 4 cyl.

My 2007 Tacoma 4 cyl with 140K miles has minor coolant leaks coming from both ends of the upper radiator hose. The hose still feels supple and flexible. The hoses were replaced at 90K miles. I only have to add a half pint of coolant every 2-3 weeks. What recommendations do you have? Much appreciated.

 

Just a guess.

Parts house hose? Worm clamps?

If yes, replace with a Toyota hose, use OE clamps

Make sure the attachment points are clean, smooth and not contributing to the problem.

 

Yes to both questions!! Thank you so much! I will be shopping for OEM hoses and clamps.

 

Just tighten them. Nothing wrong with worm clamps, if you use them right. It does help to have a torque wrench for them so you don't tighten them too much. They take 8-9 inch lbs. the thing with OE clamps is they are designed to the thickness of OE hoses. They are a one-time use for me. Worm clamps do require re-torquing, as you are finding out.

 

I agree there's nothing wrong with them when used properly. But often they are over tightened and deform the hose. When it starts to age, it starts to weep.

For some mystical reason I've found OE rubber superior to aftermarket, and you can't overtighten OE clamps. So for many situations, it's the right call

 

@Clearwater Bill It is a matter of perspective as I have not found a situation where an OE clamp is better than a worm gear clamp. If I had a penny for every OE clamp I dumped, I’d have quite a pocketful. I recently started using the German style clamp - it has the ridges on the outside, not punched through like most we are familiar with. They are pricier but holding up pretty good.

 

Aren't the OE clamps spring-type? Worm clamps back off, spring clamps don't

 

I’ve seen spring clamps lose their tension. The screw in a worm gear can back out under ‘ideal’ conditions. I have never seen it happen.

 

Ok, I decided to buy OEM hoses and clamps from Toyota. Upon taking a close up look at the clamps (not worm clamps) I'm now wondering if there is a special type of pliers or tool that would make opening the clamps to place them on the hose easier.

 

It looks like that clamp is already in the open position. Just remove that orange thingy.

i have this one but I see many more affordable models.

$30 Astro Pneumatic Tool 9409A Hose Clamp Pliers,Blue Clamp Pliers

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003D3N7YW