Greetings all. So the below coolant hose connector that lives behind the engine has shorn in twain at that thin, flimsy connector. I got a new aluminum one as that plastic is just too delicate. The problem I have is that I cannot remove those spring hose clamps for the life of me. I have one of those ratcheted clamp pliers and some picks, but the rings just don't physically expand enough to fit over the bump caused by the hose connection. Any tips for removing them then wrenching off the hose? Or should I just cut the hose at the connection?

 

Suggest you spread open the clamp, then pull the hose away from the clamp and off the fitting, then remove the clamp.

 

Any recommendation on pulling off that hose once the clamp is spread? With the clamp where it is I cannot get any sort of pry pick between the hose and part to pry it off. And no chance of good leverage to just yank it off with the cramped engine bay. Any downside to just cutting the hose off at the connection? Looks like would be only about half an inch or so, so wouldn't remove too much slack in the line that I can see.

 

It's up to you. If you've tried from above and below and can't get the hoses to break loose, then cutting the hoses is an option but be prepared to replace the hoses (which might be a good idea anyway),