From leathermang: "Did I miss where you listed the specifics of that ' liquid ' cleaning product ? "

91% isopropyl alcohol works well as a flushing liquid, will grab any moisture lurking about and is volatile enough to boil off at room temp and not leave residue. Don't forget to flush out the new hoses.

from Bill Grissom: "buy Oeticker "stepless ear clamps" on ebay"

McMaster-Carr sells the clamps & the install tool if you can't find them.

Good luck.