Originally Posted By: Brick B-Body
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
I like fuel injection hose clamps. I used them to replace a PS return hose recently. Much better than a worm clamp imo.
While I do like the idea of the OEM-style spring hose clamps, I wasn't sold on the idea of continued use of my 20 year old factory installed ones when I replaced my radiator and hoses. Without any luck in finding direct replacements I went with Constant Tension Worm Gear Hose Clamps.
Pretty much like a larger version of fuel injection hose clamps with the smooth full metal band, but with a Belleville spring under the bolt head to maintain consistent tension no matter the temperature. Install them like a regular hose clamp plus the additional step for tightening to the torque spec to set the Belleville spring.
More info here:
Ideal-Tridon Flex Gear Clamps
You can get them at NAPA. Usually sold under marine or big rig lines, but you can almost always find the right size for auto radiator hoses.
That being said, I've never had a problem with old spring clamps, on more cars than I can count, unless they got bent/mangled trying to remove them.