Hi guys, I've ordered a new expansion tank for my 2000XK8 and my question is how tough are the oem hose clamps to grt off?

 

you need the correct tool for it but can be done with channel locks or the like, either way the clamp can be hard to get too.

 

You can reuse them but I elect to replace them with the good old screw type clamps as I go along.

 

Gus tnx for reply. I'm not trying to re-use them, just how to get them off

 

Not like the one I have but will work

Link Sears.com

This is the one I have

link Sears.com

 

I was able to use a pair of slip joint pliers to remove/replace the spring clamp at the bottom of the reservoir.

If you are asking about the small clips used between the thermostat housing and the reservoir they are easily removed by squeezing slightly with slip joint pliers and using a small screwdriver to release the clip holding the two sides together.

The clamp tool Gus linked to is really required for the lower hose at the radiator end if you want to reuse the spring clamp. I gave up on that location without the tool and used a screw clamp even though it would appear to be a good idea to use the spring clamps on hose-to-plastic connections.

The extended spring clamp tool appears to be the same across the internet available from $17 to $60.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-Long-Hose...487367&vxp=mtr

 

what are the sizes of the orig clamps for the radiator hoses? where could I find them?

 

thank you. it is the one between the t-stat and the res. tank.

 

Just use a narrow-nosed pair of pliers and push the two halves of the hose-clamp away from each other orthogonally and they'll release; and of course these hose clamps can be reused by squeezing their open-ends together with a flat-nosed pair of pliers...