1st Gen R53 Cooper S Tips on changing a T-connector?

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by rivercityRN, Jun 21, 2015.

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  1. rivercityRN

    rivercityRN New Member

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    #1 rivercityRN, Jun 21, 2015
    The nipple, or "T", on the radiator hose connector that the expansion tank vent hose attaches broke off. I had the local Mini shop order the part and was stoked to only pay $5! However, my excitement quickly faded after an hour of trying to replace the broken connector. I've tried to hold the hose with one hand while attempting to release the clamps with pliers in the other hand...not gonna happen. There is just too much crap in the way and my pliers are a bit large to manipulate in the tight space. Do you guys have any tips on removal? Recommended tools? I'm trying to avoid any major disassembly if possible.
     

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  2. rivercityRN

    rivercityRN New Member

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    #2 rivercityRN, Jun 21, 2015
    A pic on the "T".
     

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  3. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #3 Nathan, Jun 21, 2015
    Cut off the carpy OEM ones. Get some real clamps from the Auto Parts store. Stainless with rolled edges are the best.

    These are about the best on the market in my opinion.

    ABA Hose Clamps
     
  4. rivercityRN

    rivercityRN New Member

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    #4 rivercityRN, Jun 21, 2015
    Getting to the clamps is the issue, Nathan.
     
  5. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #5 Nathan, Jun 21, 2015
  6. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #6 Metalman, Jun 21, 2015
    Special cable clamp tool was developed just for this situation....
    It lets you put the head down in the tight area and with the cable the pliers works the clamp up where you have plenty of room...
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  7. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    #7 ZippyNH, Jun 21, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2015
    I've had the oem type clamp break about 50% of the time removing them...or simply not get tight again if you try to reuse them...
    They are a pain...sometimes they "pop" off...but I have also spent 25 minutes on a single clamp.just takes time...that's WHY the shop charges "book'" rate for jobs...
    Some cars take 5 minutes to do a job, some take 45 minutes...so "book" is the average of a (IMO) slow, unmotivated pro doing a job...
    I have tried 3 or 4 diffent tools to do it...duckbill style visegrips or even an old set of "dykes" (front cut trimmers) work in a pinch if you are carefull....have also pried them off getting style...worse the cutters and a screwdriver...all sucked if they had been in place a few years...
     
  8. Canusrufis

    Canusrufis RMW Powered R53
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    #8 Canusrufis, Jun 25, 2015
    I had to replace one those small diameter hoses in that rat nest. Like you it was tough. Had to pull out the airbox to get any leverage to maneuver. Its not that bad.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #9 Crashton, Jun 25, 2015
    I bought a pair of these Chuck. Theys the bees knees..... :D
     
  10. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    #10 Metalman, Jun 25, 2015
    A pair huh....

    One for SAE and one for metric spring clamps?:D
     
  11. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #11 Crashton, Jun 25, 2015
    Why yes, I keep them in the drawer with my metric crescent wrench & hammers..... The other with my whitworth tools.... :smilewinkgrin:
     
  12. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #12 Nathan, Jun 25, 2015
    Use whale oil in lanterns to light the garage too?
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #13 Crashton, Jun 25, 2015
    No I have methane piped in from the john....
     
  14. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    #14 ColinGreene, Jun 26, 2015
    you will have a great deal more acess into that area if you simply remove the airbox assembly.
    take the clamps loose and slide them down the hose where they can no longer grab the connector.
    In lieu of having the correct tool to do the job a set of channel locks works well enough for me most of the time.
    good luck.
     
  15. rivercityRN

    rivercityRN New Member

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    #15 rivercityRN, Jul 3, 2015
    Holy crap what a knuckle-buster was! Had to do it the hard way with a small pair of pliers since my snips wouldn't cut the clamps from the odd angles. Replaced all the clamps as well as the expansion tank vent hose.
     

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