Hose clamp opinions needed.

[AEROCOOK]

I am replacing some fuel and oil lines on my 1987 Evinrude 90 and the service manual tells you to use the special snapper type hose clamps, it even warns you not to use traditional metal screw type clamps or cable/zip tie clamps. Not to suggest that there isnt a valid reason for this but I have used cable/zip ties for many years without incident and also worked on many engines where they were already installed by someone else.
I assumed they were a suitable alternative to the OE snapper type clamps but now Im not so sure.
Just looking for a consensus on what everyone else is using, especially those of you who are marine technicians.

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

I use whatever I have on hand, to be honest. My manual for a '93 60hp says to use zip ties for the fuel lines around the carb.
Everything else I usually use a screw type or something. I just keep an eye on them very closely, if they get too rusty I replace it before I can't get it off. My boat is primarily a saltwater boat, so the non-SS ones rust pretty quick.

 

[chubcobear]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

Iboats sells them, all sizes. I replaced all my fuel and fuel pump lines with them.
Special wire ties work well. I have a 1987 90hp also.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

I replaced all of my exterior fuel lines to my 115 3 years ago and used SS screw type clamps. The boat runs in 100% saltwater at all times and I haven't had a problem at all, no rust or anything.

I would think that under the hood they would be too big and bulky, and I've seen zip ties used a lot also under there, and that's by an OMC dealer and other professional shops.

I don't see anything wrong with regular clamps on exterior fuel lines, just make sure they are SS.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

watch this, problem traced to a zip tie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEbW-6eOc5I&feature=channel_page

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

Thanks jonesg.
What a great, very detailed and informative video.
I had no idea about the VRO clicking frequency thing.
Regardless of my past success with zip ties I am now resolved to using the snapper type.

 

[bankerjohn]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

Here is a picture of the special type of zip tie that my outboard instructor at the local community college recommended:

However, I've looked all over the internet, and discovered that they're almost impossible to find anyone who stocks them. I believe that Mercury sells them under their Quicksilver label, but I don't have a part number ... and besides, they are way overpriced if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

the problem with zip ties is you're trying to PULL it tight and theres a weak point at the junction or joint.

The new plastic clamps don't pull tight, they are pushed tight and there is no weak point. The pressure is more equal thru 360 degs.

Now take a look at all the posts here "my engine smokes at idle"

 

[F_R]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

No matter what type of clamp, the hose needs to fit the nipple tightly. In fact, it should not leak even if there were no clamp at all. The main purpose of the clamp is to keep the hose from blowing off the fitting. And yes, it is also there as a second line of defense against leaking. But first line is the hose fit.

I don't like the screw clamps because when tightened on small hoses, they are way out of round. More like a "D" shape. That is probably the reason the factory doesn't like them either.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

Yep exactly, not to mention they cut into the hose, and like you say the barb swage or whatever you call it on the end of the nipple is what makes the seal, the clamp only pevents the hose from slipping off, not by pinching the hose but rather by not being able to slip off the nipple.

 

[lbay]

Re: Hose clamp opinions needed.

Here is a picture of the special type of zip tie that my outboard instructor at the local community college recommended:

However, I've looked all over the internet, and discovered that they're almost impossible to find anyone who stocks them. I believe that Mercury sells them under their Quicksilver label, but I don't have a part number ... and besides, they are way overpriced if I'm remembering correctly.

I got a tie like that in a kit with a new fuel line connector a few days ago. Went on very nicely. The curved tip eliminates the missing pressure point that happens with conventional ties.