This procedure covers removal and replacement of the lower radiator hose on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including coolant draining and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if worn or corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 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 at bottom driver side of radiator
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge, then lifting away from rear mounting grommets
5. Open radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open the radiator drain petcock by turning counterclockwise until coolant begins flowing into drain pan. Allow coolant to drain until flow stops completely. If drain petcock is stuck or unavailable, remove lower radiator hose at radiator first to drain system.
2. 2

   Access lower radiator hose
   The lower radiator hose connects from the bottom driver side of the radiator to the water pump inlet on the engine block. You may need to reach from above or below depending on your access preference. From above provides better visibility; from below (with vehicle raised) provides better leverage.
3. 3

   Remove radiator-end hose clamp
   Locate the hose clamp securing the lower hose to the radiator outlet. Using needle-nose pliers or hose clamp pliers, compress the spring clamp ears and slide it back along the hose at least 2 inches away from the radiator connection point. If using a worm-drive clamp, loosen with flathead screwdriver instead.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from radiator
   Twist the hose back and forth while pulling gently to break the seal and remove it from the radiator outlet. If hose is stuck, carefully insert a flathead screwdriver between hose and outlet to break seal, being extremely careful not to damage the plastic radiator neck. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into pan.
5. 5

   Remove engine-end hose clamp
   Locate the hose clamp securing the lower hose to the water pump or engine block inlet. Compress the spring clamp ears with pliers and slide it back along the hose away from the connection point. Note the orientation of the hose routing for installation of the new hose.
6. 6

   Disconnect hose from engine
   Twist and pull the hose from the water pump inlet. This connection may be tight due to age and heat cycling. Work the hose carefully to avoid damaging the inlet neck. Remove the hose completely from the vehicle and inspect both connection points for cracks or damage.
7. 7

   Prepare new hose and connections
   Clean both the radiator outlet and engine inlet thoroughly with a shop rag to remove any old coolant residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect both necks for cracks or damage. Compare new hose to old hose to verify correct part. If reusing clamps, inspect for rust or damage and replace if questionable.
8. 8

   Install hose to engine connection
   Slide a hose clamp onto the engine end of the new hose with the clamp ears or screw facing outward for easy access. Push the hose firmly onto the water pump inlet until it bottoms out against the bead on the inlet neck. The hose should slide on at least 1.5 inches past the bead.
   Torque spec

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

   Secure engine-end clamp
   Position the hose clamp so it sits centered between the end of the hose and the inlet bead, approximately 0.5 inches from the hose end. Squeeze clamp ears together with pliers until clamp locks in place. If using worm-drive clamps, tighten to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft) with torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install hose to radiator connection
    Route the hose to the radiator outlet following the same path as the original hose, ensuring it does not contact any sharp edges or moving components. Slide the second hose clamp onto the radiator end, then push the hose firmly onto the radiator outlet until it bottoms against the neck bead.
    Torque spec

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

    Secure radiator-end clamp
    Position and secure the radiator-end hose clamp in the same manner as the engine end, centered between hose end and neck bead. Tighten spring clamp fully or torque worm-drive clamp to 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Close drain and refill coolant
    Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise until snug (hand tight only, do not overtighten). Using a funnel, pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the radiator fill neck slowly until level reaches the bottom of the neck. Allow time for coolant to flow through system and air pockets to release. Add more coolant as level drops.
13. 13

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the radiator cap off. Watch the coolant level and add coolant as it is drawn into the system. Turn the heater to maximum heat and fan speed to help purge air. Run until engine reaches operating temperature and thermostat opens (upper radiator hose becomes hot). Top off coolant and install radiator cap securely.
14. 14

    Check coolant reservoir
    Check the coolant overflow reservoir level with engine at operating temperature. Add coolant to the COLD FILL line marking on the reservoir. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear grommets first, then pressing down on front clips until they snap into place.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that both hose clamps are properly positioned and tightened
2. Verify hose does not contact any moving parts such as drive belts or accessories
3. Confirm radiator drain petcock is closed and not leaking
4. Ensure engine cover is properly seated on all mounting points

Verification

• With engine at operating temperature, visually inspect both hose connections for coolant leaks
• Check coolant level in overflow reservoir and top off if needed to COLD FILL line
• Squeeze upper radiator hose to verify system is properly pressurized when hot (hose should be firm)
• After first drive cycle, recheck coolant level and inspect connections again for any seepage
• Monitor temperature gauge over next few days to ensure no overheating occurs

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