2003 Degas bottle clamp removal

[BondJamesBond]

I am changing out my plastic degas bottle for an aluminum bottle. My problem is the lower hose going to the tube behind the cylinder head, I don't know how but the spring clamp was installed facing the firewall ?? I have a well stocked tool supply and nothing I have will get in to it. The tank and hose appear to be original.
Next question, has anyone used a straight piece of hose from the tank versus a pre molded hose ? Thanks in advance.

 

[wiggy]

I am changing out my plastic degas bottle for an aluminum bottle. My problem is the lower hose going to the tube behind the cylinder head, I don't know how but the spring clamp was installed facing the firewall ?? I have a well stocked tool supply and nothing I have will get in to it. The tank and hose appear to be original.
Next question, has anyone used a straight piece of hose from the tank versus a pre molded hose ? Thanks in advance.

I've done the aluminum swap also as it puts an end to degas cracking/leaking issues. You can't see fluid from outside the bottle of coarse but a peak inside when cold shows level. Your issue with access to the clamp I didn't have but maybe if you can cut it with a dremel or some other way. I know access is poor. I replaced that hose with high temp silicon as it is more flexible and easy to get back on.