Oetiker project stopper. Zip tie instead?

[JimBee]

I'd forgotten that I had a GKN boot in storage but discovered it just before I was ready to zip tie the boot onto the CV housing.

The one I found (GKN 300439) was packed with a 104mm oetiker clamp, 7mm bigger than the one that was packed with the GKN boot I was installing. The 300439 is apparently spec'd for the 96 AT turbo axle, which I also have. That one also needs to be done—on the list for next summer. The oetiker clamp for the axle shaft end of the 300439 boot for the turbo is a whopping 38.1mm, much bigger than that end of the boot. I haven't had that axle out yet so I don't know how big it is, but my 93 850 axle is pretty hefty and the 33mm clamp fits just right. I doubt the AT turbo axle is much bigger than that.

Giving this more thought, it seems like the GKN 300427 that indexed to my VIN is not in fact made properly for that axle, since I had to stretch the larger end to get it on the cv housing enough that the 97mm clamp wouldn't fit. (the clamp sizes, BTW, are stamped on the clamp band).

The 104mm was just right. Got it together using that. So now I'll need to find another 104 for the turbo boot, if that in fact turns out to be the right size. I'll try to connect with the GKN distributor to get more clear on how they size the parts.

I'll be keeping an eye on the 93 manual trans boot I replaced to see if it holds up stretched as much as it has.

[SuperHerman]

I have had a similar experience with Napa boots. The boot works on various cars, but the oetiker style clamp doesn't always fit, being a tad short.

On several occasions I have been forced to reuse the original oetiker style clamp. What I do is open up the used clamp omega section more than it should be, position the clamp, use the wire cutter to bend the clamp to the point my oetiker pliers will work and then finish with the oetiker pliers. Takes a couple tries as the wire cutter will want to slide off. Once you get the first pinch you are home free. With a bit a patience it can be done.

[JimBee]

SuperHerman has a super good idea. I'll keep that in mind next go-round.

[ferocity02]

I used a worm gear clamp in a pinch and it's been holding fine for 4+ years. A pair of diagonal cutters can also be used to pinch oetiker clamps but not ideal.

[JimBee]

I used an end cut nipper, not ideal but does the job. It's very sharp, but won't cut through an authentic Oetiker clamp.
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-hea ... 60815.html

[erikv11]

Yep I've used that too. Gets it done anyway.