Coolant System Leaks

[davidbrady]

Due to some leaks, I recently had to tighten the Breeze heavy duty constant torque (HD CT) clamps used on my H3's coolant system, chassis year 2003. Breeze is very clear that the HD CT clamps require 90 in-lbs. That's actually quite a bit on the clamps 3/8" stainless screw. It's quite a bit more than you'd normally apply with a 1/4" drive ratchet. Get a good quality in-lb torque wrench. I use a snap-on rated for 0 to 200 in-lbs dialed in at 90 in-lbs, and I apply a drop of lube to the clamp before tightening. Also, it sometimes helps to fist loosen a quarter turn or so before torquing to final spec. My favorite lube for this purpose is Corrosion-X. On the H3 it's pretty easy to get to all the clamps used in the cooling system. The top most forward radiator clamps (Hot Coolant In) requires some disassembly of the radiator shroud at the exterior radiator door. The shroud is simple to remove and replace.