So... this looks like a new one. At least search didn't turn up anything. XJ 2000 4.0, bought at 70-some thousand, now at 105000, and generally doing well, no recurring issues and no surprising wear and tear.
Finished a 90 minute drive to a job and step out to discover anti-freeze pouring out the front; specifically it's gushing from the main radiator out connection. (Didn't get any steam or warning signs in the temperature gauge, so I assume I caught it early.) On closer look I see the hose, where I'd expect a problem, is fine, but the hose clamp is snapped right in half. And not even at the threads, but right in the solid section of metal behind the tightening collar. I find the nearest mechanic a couple blocks away, who also notices that the intake hose clamp is snapped. It was late in the day but he got the clamps replaced, coolant topped off, and I made it home.
So we're both kind of baffled, and I'm mostly asking for curiosity, anyone else ever hear of such a thing? The last work on the cooling system was a water pump replacement about 15,000 miles ago; new hoses and clamps went on then as well. Did I just get a bad couple clamps? Not really sure if there's an answer beyond 'that's just weird'.

 

Some of those hose clamps are cheaply made. Also, some folks tighten them too much.
The stock spring clamps are a better option, but you should be fine with better hose clamps.

 

Yeah; kind of figured it must have just been bad luck and cheap parts. Still kind of baffled that it would snap across the solid metal rather than the threads. Thanks for the tip though.

 

my 04 tj had one of those spring clamp type break in half

 

Yeah cheap clamps can break,Next time your at a junkyard look for bmws and mercedes and take all the hose clamps off them.They both use better brand clamps then most car makers do.

 

Welcome to the new world of poor quality MIC parts.

MIC = Made In China

Like was said .... replace the clamps, as you did ..... but be wise and keep an eye on them.

Trying to instill in my children the need for a regular inspection checklist, like I was trained for in the military.

Manufacturers give you a service schedule in the manual, but do they tell you what to inspect on a Daily / Weekly / Monthly basis? Now I see the real reason for PM inspections.