2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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cooling

Radiator Hoses - Both

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.3 h
Tools
7
Steps
11

This procedure covers removal and replacement of both the upper and lower radiator hoses on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never open the cooling system when engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can cause severe burns. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours.
Ethylene glycol coolant is toxic to animals and humans. Clean up spills immediately and dispose of used coolant according to local regulations.
Only use Motorcraft Orange or compatible coolant. Mixing incompatible coolant types can cause cooling system damage.

Tools required

Hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriverEssential
Drain pan (minimum 2 gallon capacity)Essential
Torque wrench (0-50 Nm range)Essential
FunnelEssential
Socket set (metric)
Shop towels
Coolant hydrometer or refractometer

Parts

  • Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
  • Hose clamps (if reusing original clamps are damaged) × 4 — Spring-type or worm-drive clamps

Fluids

  • Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 3 qt

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location
  4. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on cover

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain cooling system
    Locate the coolant drain plug on the lower driver side of the radiator. Slowly loosen the drain plug and allow coolant to drain into the pan. Once drained, reinstall and hand-tighten the drain plug (will be torqued later).
    Torque spec
    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  2. 2
    Remove upper radiator hose at radiator
    Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the radiator (passenger side, top). Using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver, compress or loosen the spring clamp and slide it back 2-3 inches away from the radiator neck. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to remove from radiator. Note the orientation of the hose for installation.
  3. 3
    Remove upper radiator hose at engine
    Follow the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing at the front of the engine. Release the clamp at this connection using the same method. Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the thermostat housing. Remove the hose completely from the vehicle.
  4. 4
    Remove lower radiator hose at radiator
    Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom driver side of the radiator. Release the clamp and slide it back along the hose. Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the radiator outlet. Be prepared for additional coolant drainage.
  5. 5
    Remove lower radiator hose at water pump
    Follow the lower radiator hose to the water pump connection on the front of the engine. Release the clamp at the water pump inlet. Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the water pump. Remove the lower hose completely from the vehicle.
  6. 6
    Clean connection points
    Using shop towels, clean all four hose connection points (radiator upper and lower, thermostat housing, and water pump inlet). Remove any old coolant residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect the connection necks for cracks or damage.
  7. 7
    Install new lower radiator hose
    Route the new lower radiator hose from the radiator to the water pump, ensuring it follows the same path as the original and does not contact any sharp edges or moving components. Slide clamps onto the hose before installation. Push the hose firmly onto the radiator outlet and water pump inlet until fully seated. Position clamps over the connection points and secure them.
    ℹ️Ensure hose is fully seated on both connections before tightening clamps. A partially seated hose will leak.
    Torque spec
    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Install new upper radiator hose
    Route the new upper radiator hose from the radiator to the thermostat housing, matching the original routing. Slide clamps onto the hose. Push the hose firmly onto both the radiator neck and thermostat housing until fully seated. Position and secure the clamps at both connections.
    Torque spec
    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Torque drain plug and verify connections
    Torque the coolant drain plug to specification. Double-check that all four hose clamps are properly positioned and tightened. Verify that hoses are not kinked, twisted, or contacting moving parts.
    Torque spec
    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Refill cooling system
    Remove the cooling system pressure cap from the degas bottle (overflow tank). Using a funnel, slowly add Motorcraft Orange coolant mixture (50/50 mix with distilled water) to the degas bottle until it reaches the MAX COLD line. Add coolant slowly to prevent air pockets. Install the pressure cap.
  11. 11
    Burp cooling system and check for leaks
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater on maximum temperature. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it reaches normal operating temperature. Watch for coolant leaks at all four hose connections. Once the thermostat opens and coolant begins circulating, the level in the degas bottle may drop - shut off engine and add coolant as needed. Repeat until coolant level stabilizes.
    Monitor temperature gauge closely. If gauge approaches red zone or warning light illuminates, shut off engine immediately and recheck system for leaks or air pockets.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall engine cover if removed by aligning mounting posts and pushing down firmly until it clicks into place
  2. Check coolant level after engine has cooled - top off to MAX COLD line if needed

Verification

  • Verify no coolant leaks at any of the four hose connections after test drive
  • Confirm coolant level remains stable at MAX COLD line when engine is cold
  • Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature and heater produces hot air
  • Check under vehicle for any coolant drips or puddles after overnight parking
  • Recheck coolant level after 100 miles of driving and top off if necessary

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