www.jec.org.uk

Pleased at changing the oil and filter without covering everywhere with oil yesterday, I thought I'd just check the tightness of the jubilee clips in a spare 5 minutes tonight...................
I've not counted how many there are on our 4.0 facelift but I tightened at least 3 from a point that I would have thought to have been loose given the amount that needed tightening (if you understand the English!). There are a still a couple that need a bit of extra wriggling to get at near the thermostat but it set me thinking: how many nuts are loose as well in the engine bay?
It kept me amused for at least 5 minutes tonight and, weather permitting, another 30 mins tomorrow night but it may well avert a problem in weeks to come.

So, there is your challenge for the coming few days - have a check and see just how many jubilee clips and nuts were loose!

Clive,
Just by way of interest. Norma Fasteners Ltd. (who introduced a range of slim line and stainless worm drive clips ) Also supplied a screwdriver like tool with a flexi blade which buckled when the worm drive clip reached the appropriate tightness. These came with permanently fixed sockets of (I believe,) 6mm and 7mm.

One has to ask the question, with a brand new metal pipe and rubber hose of excellent matching fit just how tight should a worm drive or jubilee clip be? I would say down firm not Gorilla tight!

Modern cars use these spring bands and while everything is new they appear to be fine. I noticed Mike K has had bad experience with them. Does any one else have anything to add. I have no experience with them but have bought a special tool which comprises of a plier like handle a length of flexi cable and a clip attachment on the end for getting into restricted places. Should the need arise

Oldtimer

Somewhere I once found a torque screwdriver setting for the worm-drive clips. It was something like 5 or 7 inch-pounds. I was going to calibrate my electric screwdriver's clutch (cunningly marked 1-6 but no information of what) with some string and a spring balance, but in the end I just tighten then "enough".

Beware of tightening old clips on spongy hoses; if the rubber is going, you can cut through, and then you have to replace the hose immediately, rather than leaving it 'til next whenever-I-get-a-round-tuit.

I guess the modern spring clips make for easier assembly on the production line.

I have had hoses fail over the years but I can't remember a clip failing. Paul is correct, beware of tweaking a clip on an old hose too much, if it is at all cracked or swollen its time for a new one

I completely agree with you all - don't over tighten. The three mentioned were actually loose!