Dave Baker wrote:

> How much danger is there of permanently crushing a hose when you clamp it
> off, as many have suggested?  I am looking at the prospect of replacing my
> heater valve, located above the spare in the front of the van.

Never had a problem.  Sometimes I use needle nose type vise grips with split
pieces of hose over the jaws to cover the sharp edges.  Else C-clamps with wood
blocks.
  If your doing the front heater valve, be sure to observe carefully the
original position so that you can get the new one set right for the cable to
attach.  Have fun with those spring clamps.  ;-)

Larry A.