What sealant to use on radiator hose connections?

[guitarfish]

The car demon continues to follow me around. I installed a new bottom radiator hose on the weekend. The old one looked bad and was very spongey and squishy. I installed the new one and that was that.

Today, 2 days later, the bottom hose completely came off the radiator, and all the coolant dumped out.

The clamp is the factory GM clamp, the kind you squeeze together. It feels very strong and isn't corroded. I reattached the hose, got the car home (25 miles), got it in my garage and made sure the hose and clamp are installed properly. I guess I'll see what happens.

Question - is there some kind of sealant that has a sticky characteristic that would help keep the hose on?

[eippermx]

Before I stall an upper or lower radiator hose, I use blue RTV and spread a thin coat inside each end with my finger.

mark

black 2dr '98 GTP
Red 2dr '99 GP GT
White 4 dr '04 GP GT1

[GPFred]

I dump those squeese type clamps as they can wear out, even if they feel strong. I use the band type clamps with the screw-down on it. Never had a problem with those failing or slipping off and I've never had to use a sealant either.

[guitarfish]

I was considering using a band hose clamp, but the area at the bottom of the rad is so tight, it didn't seem like it would work out too well down there. I guess I have to look at it again.

[guitarfish]

OK, since I don't want to remove the hose and dump the coolant, I slid the squeeze clamp off the bottom and moved it up to the top of the hose by the engine. At some point I'll disconnect the hose at the engine and completely remove the clamp. I then installed a new stainless steel hose clamp down at the rad. I tightened it as much as I felt I could withoput breaking anything. I guess we'll see if it works. Thanks guys.