Well I'm finally forced to change out my antifreeze today.
If you have any of the s/s screw type hose clamps on your car, make sure you check them. The radiator hose connection to the thermostat was evidently loose when I purchased the car two years ago and today it finally let go while in line at the local burger joint. Now I get to add the proper antifreeze. My RealGauge came in handy by letting me know the car temp didn't get above normal so I was able to quickly refill with water and be on my way. I noticed that the 2 inch radiator hose is connected to a very smooth plastic pipe at the thermostat housing and I'm really concerned about the possibility of it slipping off again. In any case It was my fault for not ever checking the tightness of the clamp. I think the spring type factory style clamp would be more secure. I think I'll double clamp it for now.

 

My clamp at the T stat housing came off last Thursday. Poured coolant out. I only noticed it because I got out of the car while it was running to mail some letters at the local mail box. I was about 2 miles from home. I limped to a store about 2 blocks away and bought some distilled water. I put a gallon in and tried to make it home. I had to stop 5 times to let the car cool off. I did get home and immediately ordered some spring clamps to replace the couple of screw type clamps I had put on.

 

Glad RealGauge was a help!

 

I find the OEM hose clamps to be a pain to remove and re-install and the cheap screw type loosen over time. So, when I replaced the valley hoses I wanted to make sure I didn't have to go back under there for years to come.

I found the ones pictured below at a local marine parts store. They aren't cheap $6-$7 a pop but they hold constant tension and are easy to remove and reinstall. Manufactured by Gates

Rock Auto has them, sold in packs of 10

 

Any of the hose clamps should be sufficient for keeping the hose in place. The plastic pipe is not supposed to be smooth. There was originally a barb at the end of the pipe that keeps the hose and clamp from sliding off. The barb deteriorates over time and you end up with a smooth pipe. I replaced mine when it slid off and the new one arrived with the barb on the end and is about a good 1/2 inch longer than the old one.

Take a look at the attached parts blow up. Each pipe section has a barb at the end.

If the end of the pipe is smooth you need a new pipe.

 

I added a second clamp yesterday and before I add the new coolant and reconnect the hose I will add a couple of 1/8" diam. pop-rivets to the plastic pipe to provide a "bump" to prevent the hose coming off again. I like Fulton's hose clamp solution. Maybe there's a way to safety wire the screw-type clamps I have?

 

I have the spring clamp pliers that make removing and installing the clamps very easy.