Just about to embark on the AOS R&R

[Highlander]

Everything looks pretty straightforward except removing the hose clamp. I do not own a set of hose clamp pliers. My philosophy on buying tools is this: I take the labor charge if I were to have the dealer do it and use that as my tool budget. With that in mind. Can anyone who has done this job recommend a set of hose clamp pliers for me.

Thanks.

[amaroocars]

I assume you are talking about the spring type clamps.

If you have an old set of adjustable pliers (like the ones in with tool kits) then drill a hole or just a countersunk area in each inside face . This grabs the ends of the hose clamp and "Bob's your Uncle'

[pk2]

I'm with you on your tool ost to repair bill theroy, dad took to an extreme with a full lift, wheel balancer, smog sniffer etc, etc. ... and cars weren't his vocation

I use vise-grips adjusted right. Stilll a pain though. Theres a guy on ebay that sells all sorts of specialty auto tools. Search "tamper proof" under ebay motors and you'll probally find him.

PK

Edited December 11, 2007 by pk2

[1schoir]

Everything looks pretty straightforward except removing the hose clamp. I do not own a set of hose clamp pliers. My philosophy on buying tools is this: I take the labor charge if I were to have the dealer do it and use that as my tool budget. With that in mind. Can anyone who has done this job recommend a set of hose clamp pliers for me.

Thanks.

You can get an excellent "Craftsman Swivel Jaw Hose Plier" for $9.99 from Sears. "Stefan" posted this link in an earlier thread: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_0...er&sLevel=0

For some reason if you use the plural word "pliers" in your search on the Sears.com website, only the more expensive tools come up, including K-D tools.

Anyway, you can use this tool again if (when) you have to replace your coolant tank.

Regards, Maurice.

[Stefan]

Yes, and my advice is to make sure you have this tool (or similar) before you start the job. Although it is possible to do without it, the clamp is a royal pain without it and fairly easy with.

[catmanluge]

Everything looks pretty straightforward except removing the hose clamp. I do not own a set of hose clamp pliers. My philosophy on buying tools is this: I take the labor charge if I were to have the dealer do it and use that as my tool budget. With that in mind. Can anyone who has done this job recommend a set of hose clamp pliers for me.

Thanks.

It took me less than two hours to change my AOS on my 2000. I did use a adjustable clamp on installation of the new bottom hose.

You just have to feel your way around..

Catman

[Stefan]

I've done this job a few times and I found the adjustable clamp to be a bit of a pain. It is a reach to get at the clamp and with the adjustable clamp I had to hold it in place while tightening it and that gave it plenty of chance to get crooked. With a spring clamp, you push it into place, then release the clamp and it is exactly right.

The spring clamp really is quite easy with the spring clamp tool.

[jporter]

I bought the following "Flexible Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers" when I replaced my coolant tank. They were great for the tank replacement. I also used them when I replace the AOS and the oil filler tube. I think it's a great tool to have.

[pomocanthus]

I bought the following "Flexible Ratcheting Hose Clamp Pliers" when I replaced my coolant tank. They were great for the tank replacement. I also used them when I replace the AOS and the oil filler tube. I think it's a great tool to have.

I just about finished AOS R&R with help from Stefan and Bruce. I bought one of these pliers from Sears and they did help. The only issue is that the "head" is too long and was hard to get it into the correct position to squeeze the lower hose clamp on the bellows; that is to have the head parallel to the ground and in the correct location. It is a blind operation so you have to feel your way around. It definitely would have been easier if I had a helper to squeeze and lock the handle while I use both hands to align the "head" of the tool with the hose clamp.

Where is the oil filler tube by the way?

Hung

[jporter]

Where is the oil filler tube by the way?

Hung

It's the tube that connects the oil opening in the trunk to the motor. I replaced it as it was one of the areas leaking oil I was fixing along with the AOS.

Edited December 31, 2007 by jporter