This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper 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

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (spring or worm-drive type) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 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. Open hood and secure in raised position
4. Locate upper radiator hose running from top of radiator to engine thermostat housing on passenger side of engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Place drain pan under the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain into pan. Remove the cooling system pressure cap slowly to allow the system to fully drain. Drain approximately 2-3 quarts of coolant.
2. 2

   Remove engine cover if equipped
   If your F-150 has the plastic EcoBoost engine cover, grasp firmly and pull upward to disengage the mounting grommets. Set aside. This provides better access to the upper hose connection at the thermostat housing.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Release clamp at radiator end
   Locate the hose clamp securing the upper hose to the radiator neck. If equipped with a spring-type clamp, use hose clamp pliers to compress the tabs and slide the clamp back along the hose away from the radiator neck. If equipped with a worm-drive clamp, loosen the screw with a screwdriver and slide the clamp back. Expect residual coolant to spill when hose is removed.
4. 4

   Release clamp at engine end
   Locate the hose clamp at the thermostat housing connection on the passenger side of the engine block. Release this clamp using the same method as the radiator end. Slide the clamp back along the hose away from the connection point.
5. 5

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the hose gently at both ends to break the seal, then pull away from the radiator neck and thermostat housing. The hose may be stiff due to age. Work it back and forth if necessary, being careful not to damage the radiator neck or housing outlet. Have shop towels ready as residual coolant will drain from the hose.
6. 6

   Inspect connection points
   Examine the radiator neck and thermostat housing outlet for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Clean both connection surfaces with a rag to remove old coolant residue and any debris. Check that the thermostat housing is secure and not leaking from the gasket area.
7. 7

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Position new hose clamps on the new upper radiator hose before installation. Slide the radiator end of the new hose onto the radiator neck, ensuring it seats fully against the bead or stop on the neck. Then connect the engine end to the thermostat housing outlet, again ensuring full seating. Route the hose to match the original path, avoiding contact with sharp edges or moving components.
8. 8

   Secure hose clamps
   Position the clamp at the radiator end approximately 1/2 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the connection bead. Tighten to specification. Repeat for the thermostat housing end. Ensure clamps are positioned to compress the hose evenly around the entire circumference.
   Torque spec

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

   Close radiator drain and refill system
   Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise until snug. Do not overtighten. Using a funnel, add Motorcraft Orange Coolant to the radiator fill neck until coolant reaches the base of the neck. Also check and fill the coolant recovery reservoir to the COLD FILL line.
10. 10

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the radiator cap off. Run the heater at maximum temperature and fan speed. As the engine warms and the thermostat opens, coolant level will drop in the radiator. Add coolant as needed to maintain level. Continue until engine reaches normal operating temperature and coolant circulates freely with no air bubbles visible. Carefully install the radiator cap when complete.
    ⚠Monitor temperature gauge closely during bleeding. If temperature approaches the red zone, shut off engine immediately and allow to cool before continuing.
11. 11

    Reinstall engine cover
    If removed earlier, align the EcoBoost engine cover with the mounting grommets and press down firmly until all attachment points click into place. Ensure cover is secure and properly seated.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hose clamps are tight and properly positioned
2. Ensure engine cover (if equipped) is securely reinstalled
3. Check coolant level in recovery reservoir and top off to COLD FILL line if needed
4. Wipe up any spilled coolant from engine bay components

Verification

• With engine at normal operating temperature, visually inspect both hose connections for coolant leaks
• Check for wetness around clamp areas and connection points
• Verify coolant level in recovery reservoir is between MIN and MAX marks when engine is cold
• Confirm heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Check temperature gauge reads in normal range during test drive
• Re-check all connections after first drive cycle and top off coolant if necessary

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