looking everything over before a trip o my 208k mile Bonnie, how in the heck would you ever get at the camps on the heater hoses on this bear ? Got to be a way...

I use a spring clamp tool. It'* a nearly impossible job without it. . I found one at Sears..Craftsman part number 5-47390 paid around $35.

I use a cable type tool (Mayhew) that I bought from the Mac tool man for $60. It is very thin and has a small head that attaches easily to the ears of the spring clamp. It can get into very cramped areas. You operate the tool which is sort of like a pair of locking pliers from the other end of a cable that is about 18" long. You really do need a special tool to remove those clamps.

Both Bills are talking about the same type of tool, and...ayup..that'* what you need.

That Mayhew tool is only $60 now?!? It cost me over $120 when it first came out. That was quite a few years ago. The thing works great though!

is this the same type ? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hose-...50749176QQrdZ1

Yes, it is the same type. I don't know the brand thou so I can't say anything about the quality?

Not trying to be too flip about it, but unless you're a full-time mechanic, it will get only occassional use throughout it'* whole life, so unless it doesn't work at all, it should do fine for the average joe, IMO.

Speaking of quality, I have used my Mayhew clamp tool maybe 20 times, and I notice that strands of the cable are breaking. I'll need to replace the cable before long. Not too impressive considering the price. But, now that I have the tool, I find I use it not just where it is the only tool for the job, but anywhere that clamps are hard to reach. For example, if the clamp ears are in an accessible position, I have used it for lower radiator hoses from the top instead of crawling under.