Windscreen washer pipe clamps

[MJL944]

Gents,
With no washer fluid emerging from one of my windscreen washers, I've taken the T-piece off (see photo below) and, as expected, found it was clogged with gunk. The huge struggle to get all the pipe work off has wrecked the T-piece and valve so a new one will be ordered.

• However, before I also order 3 new metal clamps (over £3 each!) as seen below, how do I nip them up? Is there a special tool? I don't think pliers are going to crush them the right way. I might be able to reuse 1 or 2 of the 3 in the photo but they were nipped up so tight it's going to be a struggle.
• Or, would you recommend not using the metal clamps and maybe try cable-ties instead?
• Has anyone got away with not using either clamps or cable-ties? I quickly tried refitting the pipes without the clamps and they seem firmly fastened but as I've also fitted a new Porsche washer motor (which is seemingly MUCH more powerful than the 22 year old unit it replaced) I'm not sure whether the back pressure will force the joints apart without the help of clamps or cable-ties.

Incidentally, I did manage to change the washer motor without having to go at it from underneath as is advised (I have the deep S2 headlight washer tank with the screen washer motor sitting in the bowels of the engine bay!) but I do have thin arms which certainly helps!

Also, my top tip is don't not use your windscreen washers for 6 months (since April!) because when you do finally need to use them you'll probably find you have a seized washer motor and a T-piece with gunk growing in it!

Many thanks for any helpful answers,

Mark.

 

[vitesse]

I've re-used the Oerlikon clips(I think that's what they are called) several times on the 924S's & 964 we had.
I opened them using small ,then larger screwdriver blade,then closed them after fitting new connections using small pincers to re-squeese them tight.

If you've got enough pipe,then cutting off sufficient from the used end ,then re-fitting by dipping in hot water 1st gives a tight connection which doesn't necessarily need the clips,but the little one-way valve flaps seem to need a reasonable pressure to get a good screenwash & as you have found ,the new Porsche pump is quite powerful & might cause leaks at the joints.
You might want to try them 1st & fit the clips if needed.

 

[Monkeythree]

Oetiker clamp. There is a special tool but pincers will also work.

 

[vitesse]

Thank you for the correction Tom-never really read the name when I've seen it-just remember It seemed of similar shape to an anti-aircraft gun[8|]-well it was a shot in the dark!

I'll get my coat!

 

[MJL944]

Thanks Vitesse,
I'll see what I can do with a screwdriver to loosen them as you suggest and see if I can find some pincers somewhere - can't remember the last time I've ever needed them!