This procedure covers the replacement of heater hoses on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant drainage, hose removal, and refilling the cooling system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater inlet hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Heater outlet hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing is not possible) × 4 — Spring-type or worm-gear clamps per original specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent cooling fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge, then lifting off
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from system
   Locate the radiator drain plug at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Slowly open the drain plug and allow coolant to drain into the pan. You do not need to drain the entire system, but drain approximately 2-3 quarts to lower the coolant level below the heater hose connections.
   Torque spec

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

   Locate heater hose connections
   Identify the two heater hoses on the passenger side of the engine. The inlet hose connects to the engine block near cylinder 4, and the outlet hose connects to the water pump housing. Both hoses route toward the firewall where they enter the heater core connections.
   ℹ️Take photos of hose routing before removal for reference during installation.
3. 3

   Remove hose clamps at engine connections
   Using hose clamp pliers or a flathead screwdriver, compress or loosen the clamps at both engine-side connections (water pump and engine block). Slide the clamps back along the hoses away from the fittings. If using spring-type clamps, note their orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove hose clamps at firewall connections
   Access the heater core connections at the firewall behind the engine. Remove the hose clamps from both heater hoses where they connect to the heater core pipes. These may be more difficult to access and may require reaching around the engine or working from underneath.
5. 5

   Remove inlet heater hose
   Twist the inlet hose while pulling to break it free from the engine block fitting. Then remove it from the firewall connection. If the hose is stuck due to age, carefully use a hose pick tool or razor blade to cut along the fitting (be careful not to damage the metal pipe). Remove the hose from the vehicle.
   ⚠Residual coolant will drain from hoses. Have shop towels ready to catch spillage.
6. 6

   Remove outlet heater hose
   Using the same technique, twist and pull the outlet hose from the water pump housing connection and firewall connection. Remove the hose from the vehicle. Inspect all connection points for corrosion, damage, or old gasket material that needs to be cleaned.
7. 7

   Clean connection surfaces
   Clean all heater hose connection points at the engine block, water pump, and firewall pipes. Remove any old rubber residue, corrosion, or debris. Ensure the metal pipes are smooth and free of pitting. Inspect for any cracks or damage to the metal fittings.
   ℹ️If firewall pipes show damage or corrosion, they should be replaced before installing new hoses.
8. 8

   Install new inlet heater hose
   Route the new inlet heater hose from the firewall connection to the engine block fitting following the original path documented in your photos. Ensure the hose is not kinked or twisted. Push the hose fully onto both fittings until it seats against the bead on each pipe.
9. 9

   Install new outlet heater hose
   Route the new outlet heater hose from the firewall connection to the water pump housing following the original path. Ensure proper clearance from exhaust components, drive belts, and moving parts. Push the hose fully onto both fittings until seated.
10. 10

    Install and tighten hose clamps
    Position hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose on all four connections. Install clamps in their original orientations. Tighten worm-gear style clamps to specification, or position spring clamps using hose clamp pliers. Ensure clamps are positioned over the raised bead on each fitting.
    ⚠Do not overtighten worm-gear clamps as this can damage the hose. Use a torque wrench if possible.
    Torque spec

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

    Close drain plug and refill coolant
    Close and tighten the radiator drain plug to specification. Using a funnel at the coolant reservoir or radiator cap (if equipped), slowly add Motorcraft Orange Coolant to the system. Fill to the cold fill line on the reservoir. Do not mix coolant types.
    ℹ️Add coolant slowly to prevent air pockets from forming in the heater core.
    Torque spec

    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature and fan speed. Monitor the coolant level and add coolant as needed as air purges from the system. Run until the engine reaches operating temperature and the thermostat opens (upper radiator hose becomes hot). Squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to help release trapped air.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature gauge. Do not allow the engine to overheat if air is trapped in the system.
13. 13

    Inspect for leaks and top off coolant
    With the engine at operating temperature, carefully inspect all four heater hose connections for leaks. Check that hot air is blowing from the heater vents, confirming flow through the heater core. Shut off the engine and allow to cool. Recheck coolant level when cold and top off to the cold fill line as needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs and pressing down until front clips engage
2. Reconnect negative battery cable
3. Clean up any spilled coolant from engine bay and undercarriage
4. Dispose of old coolant and hoses at appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at any heater hose connections
• Confirm heater blows hot air at maximum temperature setting
• Verify coolant level is at cold fill line after engine has fully cooled
• Check that engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Inspect ground under vehicle for coolant drips after test drive

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