VRO hose clamps

BoatingCop

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 28, 2007
Messages
407
I'm replacing all of the oil lines and fuel line, and have a question about clamps. The plastic clams, which look factory, didn't seem very tight and I know making sure air doesn;t get in the oil lines are a big deal with VRO's. Is there any reason I can't use regular hose clams if I don't over tighten, or are the plastic clamps sufficient and whats the best way to make sure they're tight? Thanks
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
The ty-wrap clamps can loose their clamp load as the hose ages. Check with your local Bombardier dealer for another option: They sell plastic "snap clamps" in various sizes. These are preferred. Re-useable. Tighten with a set of pliers. A stainless screw clamp has slits all around the clamp band. As this type clamp ages, it will dig into the hose and bits of it will bulge out thru the slits-eventually damaging the hose end. The "snap clamps" provide an even clamp load all around the circumference.
 
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gm280

Supreme Mariner
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Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
They also make a crimp type metal hose clamp that does work very well... They're called Oetiker hose clamps...
 

bob johnson

Rear Admiral
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Feb 25, 2009
Messages
4,306
the factory plastic zip tie style actually have a curved based to conform to the dia of the hose......which makes them much a much better choice than standard zip tie....it is possible the factory zip ties were replaced with standard ones and thus the fit was not ideal

bob
 

sumocomputers

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Feb 23, 2015
Messages
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Had the same exact experience, bunch of zip ties. Got the "Snap Clamps" from the local BRP/OMC Dealer.

I ended up using mostly size 6, except where the hose attached the fuel/oil pump, and needed a size 8 for that.

For the record, my 1989 Johnson Service manual has 3 photos: Tie wraps and the metal worm screw type, these both have an "X" through them. They basically say you are supposed to use the Snap Clamps, at least on the oil lines. I used them for both the fuel and oil lines, which will make changing the fuel filter easier, etc.

The Oetiker clamps look pretty good, but I think once crimped, you need to destroy them to get them off. Also, it is pretty tight in the engine compartment on mine, so I opted for the Snap Clamps which are reusable. The Oetikers look like a good choice for the external fuel line/bulb, if you have an external tank where you could easily redo them if needed.

Forgot to mention they were about $1 each.
 
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boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
The Oetikers are about the best you can get. But the rounded zip ties work good too.
 
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