So, a few weeks ago i replaced all of the hoses on my cooling system, the thermostat as well, did a couple flushes, and filled up with the right coolant at a 50/50 mix. It now keeps perfect temp and gives me no issues. however....

i CANNOT get the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing and the heater core hose on the firewall that's farthest to the passenger side to stop leaking. it happens after driving long enough to heat up and then turning the car off long enough to let it cool down (at work or overnight). i have re-clamped them over and over, tightened them too much, loosened them too much, and moved them back and forth all over to try to make them stop leaking. nothing is working. they are genuine mercedes parts/hoses but the clamps came from napa, but they are definitely the right size. none of the other many connections leak so i don't think it's the gear i used.

my question is: can i use some RTV or some other liquid gasket material and then slip the hoses on? will that work? if it does work, is it safe for the car/cooling system? i'm at my wits end here.

__________________
1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)