Radiator Hoses - Both

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both the upper and lower radiator hoses on the 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 L83 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing original clamps shows damage) × 4 — Worm gear type, various sizes

Fluids

• ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock located on driver side lower radiator tank
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to disengage mounting grommets

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure, then remove completely. Open the drain petcock on the lower driver side of the radiator by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. Close the petcock when draining is complete.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose - engine side
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the thermostat housing on the front of the engine. Using hose clamp pliers or a flat blade screwdriver, reposition or loosen the spring clamp or worm gear clamp. Twist the hose back and forth while pulling to break the seal and remove from the thermostat housing outlet.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator hose - radiator side
   At the radiator upper tank, reposition or loosen the clamp securing the upper hose. Twist and pull the hose to separate it from the radiator inlet. Remove the upper radiator hose from the vehicle. Inspect the radiator inlet neck for cracks or damage.
4. 4

   Remove lower radiator hose - radiator side
   Access the lower radiator hose at the lower radiator outlet on the driver side. Reposition or loosen the hose clamp. Twist and pull the hose to separate it from the radiator outlet fitting. Note that residual coolant will drain from the hose.
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose - water pump side
   Follow the lower radiator hose to the water pump inlet on the front of the engine block. Reposition or loosen the clamp at the water pump connection. Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the water pump inlet. Remove the lower radiator hose from the vehicle completely.
6. 6

   Clean connection surfaces
   Using a shop towel, clean all hose connection points at the radiator, thermostat housing, and water pump. Remove any old coolant residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect each fitting for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion that could cause leaks.
7. 7

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new worm gear clamps on the new lower radiator hose before installation. Slide the hose onto the water pump inlet first, ensuring it seats fully onto the fitting. Then connect the radiator end, ensuring full seating on the outlet neck. Position clamps approximately 1/2 inch from the end of each hose and tighten securely.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Position new worm gear clamps on the new upper radiator hose. Connect the hose to the radiator upper inlet first, ensuring it is fully seated. Then connect the engine side to the thermostat housing outlet, pushing firmly until fully seated. Position clamps approximately 1/2 inch from hose ends and tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, fill the cooling system with ACDelco DEX-COOL orange coolant through the radiator fill neck. Fill slowly to allow air to escape. Fill until coolant level reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Install the radiator cap. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir to the COLD FILL line.
10. 10

    Purge air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature. Monitor coolant temperature and watch for coolant circulation. Allow engine to reach operating temperature (approximately 195°F). Observe that the cooling fans cycle on. Shut off the engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Check coolant level and top off as necessary.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until fully seated
2. Verify all hose clamps are tight and positioned correctly on all connections
3. Wipe down any coolant spills from engine components and radiator

Verification

• With engine cold, verify coolant level is at the bottom of the radiator filler neck and reservoir is at COLD FILL line
• Start engine and visually inspect all four hose connections for leaks while engine warms up
• After engine reaches operating temperature and cooling fans cycle, check for leaks again
• Allow engine to cool completely and recheck coolant level, topping off if necessary
• Check coolant freeze protection with hydrometer - should protect to at least -34°F
• Monitor coolant level and check for leaks over the next few days of driving

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