This procedure covers the removal and replacement of heater hoses on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including coolant drain, hose removal, and system refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater inlet hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Heater outlet hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (constant tension type) × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant × 1 — VC-7-B

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release retaining grommets
5. Locate heater hoses running from engine to firewall on passenger side

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Remove the radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate the coolant drain plug on the lower passenger side of the radiator. Place drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug using appropriate socket. Allow coolant to drain completely into pan.
   ⚠Even when cool, some pressure may remain in the system. Open radiator cap slowly and stand clear.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access heater hose connections at engine
   Locate the heater hose connections at the water pump housing on the driver side of the engine. The inlet and outlet hoses connect to metal pipes on the pump housing. You may need to remove the air intake tube for better access to the hoses.
3. 3

   Remove hose clamps at engine side
   Using hose clamp pliers, compress and slide the constant tension clamps back away from the water pump housing connections on both heater hoses. Slide clamps at least 2 inches back on the hoses to provide clearance for hose removal.
   ℹ️Factory constant tension clamps should be replaced with new clamps during reassembly.
4. 4

   Disconnect hoses from water pump housing
   Twist hoses back and forth to break them free from the metal pipes. Pull hoses straight off the connections. If hoses are stuck, carefully use a razor blade to cut through any bonded sections, taking care not to damage the metal pipe fittings.
5. 5

   Access heater core connections at firewall
   Working from inside the engine bay, locate where the heater hoses connect to the heater core pipes passing through the firewall on the passenger side. Clear any wiring or components blocking access to the hose clamps.
6. 6

   Remove hose clamps at firewall side
   Using hose clamp pliers, compress and slide the constant tension clamps back away from the heater core pipe connections on both hoses. Slide clamps back to provide clearance for hose removal.
7. 7

   Remove old heater hoses
   Twist and pull the hoses off the heater core pipes at the firewall. Remove both hoses completely from the vehicle. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into shop towels or drain pan.
8. 8

   Prepare new hoses and fittings
   Clean all pipe connections at the water pump housing and heater core with shop towels to remove old coolant residue and debris. Inspect metal pipes for corrosion or damage. Apply a thin film of fresh coolant to the inside of new hose ends to aid installation.
9. 9

   Install hoses at firewall connections
   Route new heater hoses from the firewall area toward the engine, ensuring proper routing away from hot exhaust components and moving parts. Push hoses firmly onto heater core pipes at firewall until they bottom out on the pipe stops. Verify hoses are fully seated.
10. 10

    Secure firewall hose clamps
    Position new constant tension hose clamps over the hose-to-pipe connections at the firewall. Ensure clamps are positioned 1/4 inch from the end of each hose. Using hose clamp pliers, compress and position clamps properly, then tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install hoses at engine connections
    Push hoses firmly onto the water pump housing pipe connections, ensuring each hose is fully seated and bottomed out on the pipe stop. Verify correct hose routing with no kinks or sharp bends.
12. 12

    Secure engine side hose clamps
    Position new constant tension hose clamps over the hose-to-pipe connections at the water pump housing. Ensure clamps are positioned 1/4 inch from the end of each hose. Using hose clamp pliers, compress and position clamps, then tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall drain plug and refill coolant
    Install the radiator drain plug and torque to specification. Fill the cooling system with Motorcraft Orange coolant through the radiator fill neck until level reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Install radiator cap loosely. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on high.
    ⚠Monitor temperature gauge during warm-up. If engine begins to overheat, shut off immediately and check for leaks or air pockets.
    Torque spec

    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Bleed air from system and top off coolant
    Once engine reaches operating temperature and thermostat opens, coolant level will drop. Shut off engine, allow to cool slightly, and add additional coolant as needed. Repeat warming and cooling cycle once more. Check coolant level when cold and top off to proper level. Tighten radiator cap fully.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake tube if removed during hose access
2. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly until seated
3. Inspect all hose connections for proper clamp positioning and seating
4. Wipe down any coolant spills in engine bay

Verification

• Check coolant level in reservoir with engine cold - should be at COLD FILL mark
• Inspect all four hose connections for signs of coolant leakage
• Start engine and verify heater operates properly with hot air flow
• Perform a pressure test of cooling system to 16 PSI and verify no leaks at hose connections
• Take vehicle for short test drive and recheck coolant level and hose connections when cool
• Verify no coolant odor in cabin which would indicate heater core leak
• Check under vehicle for coolant drips after overnight parking

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