no feathering, Gilly, just the outer edge wears out faster than the rest of the tire. I will try to get a different shop to take a look at it.

The hose clamp was very tight, I couldn't turn it any more without squeezing/breaking the rubber. I took a small mirror and took a peep at the connection while the coolant still dripping, nope, not came from the hose. Well, I will get to the bottom of this when the new parts show up.
steve