KENWILFY@AOL.COM wrote:
>
> I have seen several vans with loose clamps on the plastic lines that go to
> the radiator.  Some times the clamps themselves are rusted to the point that
> they are tight if you try to turn the screw, but are no longer clamping.  If
> this is the problem then it should be just a matter of some new clamps.
>

Ken is right on again.

I had this exact problem about a month ago.  Coolant level had been
dropping and spots appearing under the front of my '91.  The clamp was
loose but I couldn't tighten it.  The strap is stainless, but the screw
is not and the rust stops it from turning in the direction you want.  At
the time, I assumed that a PO had replaced spring clamps with screw type
but apparently the screw type were original in this case.

When I got this van about 3 years ago I had to replace the large steel
coolant pipe on the lower left side of the engine.  In the process I
loosened and replaced some of the spring clamps on the many smaller
hoses in the area.  When trying recently to track down drips in that
area, I found that all the screw clamps that I had used showed signs of
seepage while the remaining spring clamps looked fine.  I hate to admit
it, but the spring clamps may be better.  Sure are a PITA tho.

Larry A.