Interesting post! Glad I stumbled across it.. I recently had a coolant leak from the radiator (found after I pressurized system to 10 psi). I replaced the radiator, all the hoses (around the radiator, but not underneath the intake), water pump, and expansion tank. No more leak.... or I thought. I notice that every 1500 miles of driving, I get the low coolant light. There are no leaks anywhere (that I know of), but I haven't really checked thoroughly.

I have a 2004 naturally aspirated and didn't realize that there were coolant hoses underneath the intake. I'm going to pressurize the system again and see if I can find anything. Car runs and cools perfectly, but obviously there is a leak somewhere.

and YES the hose clamps are the BEST. Made the job much easier. Good Luck with your project!

 

+1. Finally gave up on channel lock pliers and a 10" needle nose pliers. Bought similar to what you have and jobs were at least 80% easier. Good to hear from you.

 

Next step here would be 'try the dye'.