Radiator hose leak

[joecool911]

In my 40 years of vehicle ownership I've never had a rig that is so needy towards tightening the upper radiator hose. I start getting drips at the post office prior to full warm up about every 6 weeks and need to tighten the hose at the thermostat. Any ideas why?

[Wild and Free]

Oem hose or aftermarket? I like the OEM spring clamps versus the worm clamps which are usually over tightened and distort the hose causing it to loosen and leak, once they leak they never seem to seal up again.

[joecool911]

Aftermarket hose, screw clamps. I tighten with a 6 in 1 screw driver with driver bit removed to allow for use of the socket. Tighten tight with that, but not using a socket wrench. Been doing it this way for decades.

[Wild and Free]

Decades ago the rubber sealed against cast or steel housings now they are all aluminum which seems to enhance the issue a bit more seems like especially with lesser quality hose. I think some rubber compounds or hoses have more silicone than some other hose brands. I think some of the straight rubber hoses tend to leaks more with age and being over tightened which is why OEMs use constant torque spring clamps instead of screw clamps.

[joecool911]

I might have saved my OEM spring clamps. We'll see if that helps.