I have looked for help before posting this, so I hope I didn't miss it.

It looks like I will have to remove half the engine to get to this hose. I'm replacing my heater core and damaged the upper part of the hose that is closest to the driver side. I bought a new hose but I can't get to the lower clamp. I've taken the coil off and the distributer cap and loosened the wire harness, but I still cant get to it. It looks like I may have to take off all of the hoses and the valve cover. I really don't want to do that because I afraid to break more things. I've already broken a pigtail. here are a few pic of the carnage so far.

The clamp is in the darkest part of the picture. It's where the transmission dipstick, the copper braid, and the wire loom meet.

It's a little blurry, but it the clamp down low where the coper braid is by the valve cover.

It is behind the wire looms.

There is so many wires right in the way of getting to the lower part of the hose.

This is the new hose I need to install

Am I going to have to remover all of those wires and hosed and the valve cover?

 

You will only have to make enough room to get to the screw head of the worm clamp. depending on the angle, you may be able to use a long screw driver, or have to use a stubby screw driver to get to the screw to loosen it. Get it loose enough to be able to move the clamp (slide it). From there, I would bet money that that hose is almost solidified to the metal from all those years. The best way to break it loose and get it off of there that I have found is to use a small pick. You can get these sets reeeaal cheeap at a harbor freight or auto part store. Use the one that is in about the same shape as that hose you are replacing, and work it all around prying and pulling until it finally breaks loose of the petrified seal that it has created. Now, use a little silicone spray, spit, or something to make it not scream STOP! when you slide the new hose on. Don't forget to load your clamp on there first (and snug it enough that it will stay in the position you want it) or you will feel like you are repeating third grade. Position the clamp so you can get to the head and crank on it.

 

For stubborn hoses, I use a little bit of the spray lithium white grease around the lip of the hose. It makes putting hoses on a breeze.

 

Thank you very much for the reply. I was able to pull the wire harness back far enough get long pliers on the screw. It was turned in such a way that a screwdriver could not get to it. I have it loose now and will try the pick tomorrow. I wonder how the mechanics got to it in 1987?

I will take your advice on putting lube on the tube before I install the new one. Thank you again........jster

 

I will use lube and thank you........;-)