Minor coolant leaks 2007 Tacoma 4 cyl.

Might be able to rent one from say Autozone. If they have it, their tool rental is free.

 

Ive used worm clamps to fix coolant leaks before in place of OEM clamps and it was only a temp fix. If the leak is constant and under different temperature ranges it is best to replace OEM clamps with new ones as well as the hose itself since the older one has probably lost its integrity. It is an easy job to fix your upper hose so best to just buy an OEM hose as well as 2 OEM clamps and the problem should go away

 

I went to an independent repair shop near where I live. They did a coolant pressure test and determined that it was coming from the upper radiator hose even though the hose is still in good condition. But I got sticker shock with their estimate: Almost $1K for a coolant flush, new thermostat and new hoses!! I said, "Thanks for the pressure test but no thanks for the rest!" I'm gonna do it myself. The 2 things I'm nervous about are the OEM radiator hose spring clamps (see pic above) and the thermostat housing. I purchased all the parts I need already, either on RockAuto or Toyota dealer. Waasheem mentioned using a special tool to release the spring clamps. I don't have that and I was not able to find anything on Youtube about using those clamps. Can anyone show me how to use those clamps? I have ratcheting radiator hose clamp pliers.

 

I bought the whole kit but only ever used this one out of it. Astro pneumatic 4502

 

You can use slip joint pliers. No special tools required for the radiator hose clamps. Just watch your eyes, they like to go flying.

 

Since I mess with coolant lines a lot I’ve grabbed special tools for the clamps they have been easy to use and get the job done quicker

 

Yeah pliers will definitely work. Getting the clamp past the barb bump can be challenging even with the other tool.

Getting smacked by the clamp once will be enough for you to buy the tool.

 

Pliers may, or may not work, it depends on how the spring tabs are oriented and the space available. Channel locks seem to work the best due to the angled head.

OP: try rotating the clamp 90 degrees or so and re-torque.

 

Update: Brother-in-Law (Experienced automotive Mechanic) helped me out big time! OEM radiator hoses, clamps, thermostat installed. Added about 1-1.5 gallons of Super Long Life coolant. We also replaced the Rear Brake Shoes which were close to 1.5mm lining thickness. I test drove it home about 10 miles watching the Temp gauge. All good! No leaks! The only problem we had was that the Radiator Petcock was stubborn and wouldn't open.

 

The OE clamps may come with the clip like that so they can be quickly installed at the factory. You install the clamp, position it where you want, and then pull off the clip with a generic pair of pliers. That's it. Nothing flying if you put it on the hose first before you dick with the clip.

 

I like the 90 degree long needlenose pliers for the spring clamps. They are called constant tension clamps because they move along with the fittings.
I had worm drive clamps on some hoses that leaked until I made them super tight. I changed back to constant tension clamps.
I had some constant tension clamps that leaked on a new lower radiatior hose...I had to install a worm drive clamp.