Complete removal and replacement of the radiator assembly on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including draining coolant, disconnecting hoses and transmission cooler lines, and refilling the cooling system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for 3.5L EcoBoost with automatic transmission
• Upper radiator hose clamp × 1 — Spring clamp or worm gear clamp
• Lower radiator hose clamp × 1 — Spring clamp or worm gear clamp
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Often included with radiator
• Transmission cooler line O-rings × 2 — If equipped with quick-disconnect fittings

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent cooling fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover - it is retained by grommets
5. Place drain pans under radiator drain area and transmission cooler line connections
6. Have at least 3 gallons of approved coolant premixed to 50/50 ratio with distilled water

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Turn counterclockwise until coolant begins to flow. Allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. If petcock is damaged or seized, disconnect the lower radiator hose instead.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the top of the radiator on the passenger side. Use hose clamp pliers to compress and slide the spring clamp away from the radiator neck, or loosen worm gear clamp. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull straight off the radiator neck. Allow any remaining coolant to drain.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Access the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator on the driver's side. Release the hose clamp and slide it back on the hose. Twist and pull the hose off the radiator outlet. Tilt the hose downward to drain remaining coolant into the drain pan.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines at the right side of the radiator. These use quick-disconnect fittings on 2011-2014 models. Use the appropriate transmission line disconnect tool for each fitting size. Press the tool into the fitting while pulling the line away from the radiator. Be prepared for automatic transmission fluid to drain from the lines. Cap or plug the lines to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Approximately 1-2 quarts of ATF will drain from the cooler lines. Ensure drain pan is positioned correctly.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the electric cooling fan connector on the driver's side of the fan shroud. Press the tab on the connector and pull apart. On models with dual fans, disconnect both fan connectors. Ensure the wiring harness is free from any clips attached to the radiator or shroud.
6. 6

   Remove radiator support brackets
   Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts on each side of the radiator (4 bolts total). These attach the radiator support brackets to the radiator core support. The brackets may remain attached to the radiator. Note the position of any rubber isolators or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠Radiator mount bolts thread into plastic mounting tabs. Do not overtighten during reinstallation as this will crack the plastic.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove cooling fan and shroud assembly
   Lift the cooling fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay as a complete unit. The fan shroud has lower tabs that sit in slots on the radiator - lift upward to disengage. Set the fan assembly aside in a safe location. This provides access to remove the radiator.
8. 8

   Remove radiator assembly
   Carefully lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine compartment. The radiator sits on lower rubber mounts - lift upward to clear these mounts. Tilt the top of the radiator toward the engine as you lift to clear the radiator core support. Have an assistant help if needed as the radiator is awkward to handle. Watch for any remaining fluid spillage.
9. 9

   Transfer components to new radiator
   Transfer the radiator mounting brackets to the new radiator if not already installed. Inspect the lower rubber mounting isolators in the radiator core support - replace if cracked or deteriorated. Install a new drain petcock in the new radiator and tighten hand-tight only. Verify all transmission cooler fittings are clean and undamaged.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new radiator
    Lower the new radiator into position, tilting the top toward the engine to clear the core support, then straightening it as you lower. Ensure the lower mounting tabs engage properly with the rubber isolators. The radiator should sit level and secure on the lower mounts before proceeding.
11. 11

    Reinstall cooling fan and shroud
    Position the cooling fan and shroud assembly over the radiator. Align the lower tabs on the shroud with the slots on the radiator and lower into place. Ensure the shroud sits flush against the radiator and the upper mounting points align with the radiator support.
12. 12

    Install radiator mounting bolts
    Install the four upper radiator mounting bolts through the support brackets into the plastic mounting tabs on the radiator. Start all four bolts by hand first, then torque in a cross pattern to specification. Do not exceed the specified torque as this will crack the plastic radiator mounting tabs.
    ⚠Plastic radiator tabs are easily damaged. Use a torque wrench and do not exceed 12 Nm (9 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect transmission cooler lines
    Install new O-rings on the transmission cooler line fittings, lubricating lightly with ATF. Push each cooler line firmly into the radiator fitting until you hear and feel a distinct click. Tug on each line to verify it is locked in place. The lines should not pull free with moderate force.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect radiator hoses
    Install the lower radiator hose first, pushing it fully onto the radiator outlet until it seats against the stop. Position and secure the hose clamp to specification. Install the upper radiator hose in the same manner, ensuring it is fully seated on the radiator neck. Verify both hose clamps are positioned over the beaded area of the radiator fittings.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect electrical and refill coolant
    Reconnect all cooling fan electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place. Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise hand-tight. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Fill the cooling system through the radiator cap with premixed 50/50 coolant until full. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX COLD mark. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the radiator cap off. Add coolant as the level drops during burping. When coolant level stabilizes and both radiator hoses are hot, install the radiator cap. Run the engine through several heat cycles and recheck coolant level when cold.
    ⚠The 3.5L EcoBoost can be difficult to fully bleed. A vacuum fill tool is recommended to prevent air pockets that can cause overheating.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Verify transmission cooler lines are fully locked into quick-disconnect fittings
3. Double-check all hose clamps are positioned properly over radiator fitting beads
4. Reinstall engine cover after verifying no leaks

Verification

• Check coolant level in reservoir when engine is cold - should be at MAX COLD mark
• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator hoses, drain petcock, or transmission cooler lines
• Verify both cooling fans activate when engine reaches operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and confirm engine temperature remains normal under load
• Recheck coolant level after first drive cycle when engine is cold
• Check transmission fluid level and top off if needed due to fluid lost during cooler line disconnection
• Inspect underneath vehicle for any coolant or ATF drips after 24 hours

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