This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper radiator hose on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant draining and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (spring type) × 2 — If original clamps are damaged

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park the vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake
3. Place drain pan beneath the radiator petcock on the driver's side lower corner of the radiator
4. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge to release the retaining grommets

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain the cooling system
   Slowly rotate the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure, then remove it completely. Open the radiator petcock by turning it counterclockwise until coolant begins draining into the pan. Drain approximately 1-2 gallons or until the coolant level is below the upper radiator hose connection point at the engine thermostat housing.
2. 2

   Release upper hose clamp at radiator
   Locate the spring-type hose clamp at the radiator neck connection. Using hose clamp pliers or an 8mm socket, compress or loosen the clamp and slide it back along the hose away from the radiator neck approximately 2-3 inches. If the clamp is a worm-drive type, loosen the screw instead.
3. 3

   Release upper hose clamp at thermostat housing
   The thermostat housing is located on the front of the engine block, below the throttle body. Locate the hose clamp at this connection point. Compress or loosen the clamp and slide it back along the hose approximately 2-3 inches away from the housing connection.
4. 4

   Remove upper radiator hose from radiator
   Twist the hose back and forth while pulling to break the seal between the hose and radiator neck. If the hose is stuck, carefully insert a flathead screwdriver between the hose and neck to break the seal. Pull the hose off the radiator neck. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain from the hose.
5. 5

   Remove upper radiator hose from thermostat housing
   Twist and pull the hose off the thermostat housing connection. Note the routing of the hose around the engine bay, particularly how it passes near the accessory drive belt. Remove the hose completely from the engine bay.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean connection points
   Inspect the radiator neck and thermostat housing for cracks, corrosion, or damage. Clean both connection points thoroughly with a shop towel. If old gasket material or hardened coolant residue is present, carefully scrape it away with a razor blade without damaging the metal surfaces.
7. 7

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Route the new upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing to the radiator neck, following the same path as the original. Ensure the hose does not contact the accessory drive belt or any sharp edges. Push the hose firmly onto the thermostat housing until it seats completely against the housing flange. Then push the radiator end onto the radiator neck until fully seated.
8. 8

   Secure hose clamps
   Slide the hose clamp at the thermostat housing back into position over the connection point, approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the hose. Tighten the clamp to specification. Repeat the process for the radiator neck clamp. Ensure both clamps are positioned properly over the raised bead area of each connection.
   Torque spec

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

   Close radiator petcock and refill coolant
   Close the radiator petcock by turning it clockwise until hand-tight. Pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the radiator filler neck until it reaches the base of the neck. Allow time for coolant to settle into the system. Add additional coolant as needed. Install the radiator cap securely.
10. 10

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature with the heater set to maximum heat. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it remains in the normal range. Watch for coolant circulation visible through the radiator neck (remove cap briefly when safe). Listen for proper heater operation. After the thermostat opens and the cooling fan cycles at least once, shut off the engine.
11. 11

    Final coolant level adjustment
    Once the engine has cooled for at least 30 minutes, carefully remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level. Add additional coolant to bring the level to the base of the filler neck. Check the coolant reservoir level and fill to the COLD FILL mark if needed. Reinstall the radiator cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets with the mounting posts and pushing down firmly until it clicks into place
2. Wipe down the engine bay to remove any coolant residue
3. Dispose of used coolant at an appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• Inspect both hose connections for coolant leaks with the engine cold
• Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at both connections
• Verify the temperature gauge reads in the normal range and the cooling fan cycles properly
• Check that the heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• After the first drive cycle, recheck coolant level when cold and top off if necessary
• Inspect for leaks again after 24 hours of operation

More procedures for this vehicle