peedee

I am replacing the thermostat, But I am having trouble trying to figure out how to remove the hose clamp, I am sure it is something simple but I have never seen one like it, (see pic)

4.3L XJ

That type of clamp is not re usable. You will have to destroy it to get it off

peedee

Thanks for the reply, Took your advise and broke the factory clamp off, and put a new one on.

jpregione

How did you drain the coolant before you replaced the thermostat? I'm getting ready to change out the serpentine belt / tensioner but if i remove the lower radiator hose before i drain the radiator it's going to be a mess and a half. I see the radiator drain is tucked up underneath but not sure what size tubing to get to drain it. Any suggestions?

peedee

Hi, I didn't have to drain the radiator as the thermostat is up high, I guess when it over heated I lost best part of the antifreeze, but sometimes the radiator drain ***** are not worth
the effort to get to, I would find a dish to place underneath and pull the lower hose, Good luck.

peedee

I don't think you have to touch the drain plug or the lower hose, I think you can replace the serpentine belt and the tensioner without disturbing the lower hose.

jpregione

I pulled the right wheel / wheel well liner and you definitely have to pull the hose, either that or be houdini .

I ended up ordering one of those flex funnels, it should help make pulling the lower radiator hose and keeping the mess to a minimum.

jpregione

you definitely have to pull the hose and i believe the hose from the resevoir, either that or be houdini. I ordered one of the funnels that you can form, it should help limit the mess when removing the hose.