You could do that, yes. But you need to replace it with something similar. The reason its built the way it is, is to prevent it from ever coming loose. A hose clamp can sometimes do that. All of the above suggestions are good ones. Or you can try the below suggestions, that I posted in your original post in the "Help" section.
Have you tried to find an original part? Tm 9-2815-252-24P, Figure 4, Page 4-1, Item 11, Part number 186-6159, NSN: 4710-01-360-6304. Original price: $105.00. It is considered by the military to be a non repairable part. Part manufacturer is Onan. I also plugged in the NSN into my browser, and found several places that might stock it.
Another alternative would be to find a GOOD diesel shop, or some other shop that could fabricate the whole thing for you. At the end of the day, a little asking around could save you some money.
Perhaps a member has an engine they want to part out, and will sell you a like part cheaper then a new one.