Complete radiator removal and replacement procedure for 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD, including coolant drainage, hose and line disconnection, and radiator installation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Replace if damaged or over 5 years old
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Replace if damaged or over 5 years old
• Hose clamps × 4 — Worm gear type, 1.5-2.5 inch
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Replace if cracked or leaking

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (has not run for at least 2 hours)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on the four corner grommets
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location (driver side bottom of radiator)
6. Have adequate lighting in engine bay for visibility

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure, then remove completely. Locate the drain petcock on the driver side lower corner of the radiator. Open the drain petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take 5-10 minutes for complete drainage.
   ⚠Even when cool, some pressure may remain in the system. Open cap slowly and stand to the side.
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the top of the radiator on the driver side. Use pliers or hose clamp pliers to compress and slide the hose clamp away from the radiator neck (3-4 inches down the hose). Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to remove from the radiator. Expect residual coolant spillage.
3. 3

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Use pliers to compress and slide the hose clamp away from the radiator neck. Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the radiator. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
4. 4

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the passenger side of the radiator (these are metal lines with quick-disconnect or threaded fittings). For quick-disconnect type, use the transmission line disconnect tool to release the tabs and pull the lines straight out. For threaded type, use a flare nut wrench to loosen the fittings. Plug the lines with clean rags to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ℹ️Transmission fluid will drain from these lines. Have a separate drain pan or rags ready.
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connector
   Locate the cooling fan electrical connector on the fan shroud assembly. Press the release tab and pull the connector apart. Ensure the connector is moved away from the work area to prevent damage.
6. 6

   Remove cooling fan and shroud assembly
   Remove the two upper fan shroud mounting bolts (one on each side at the top). Lift the fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay as a single unit. The lower shroud tabs will disengage from the radiator as you lift. Set the assembly aside in a safe location.
   ⚠The fan and shroud assembly is bulky but fragile. Avoid hitting the fan blades or dropping the assembly.
7. 7

   Remove radiator mounting hardware
   Locate the radiator mounting bolts at the top of the radiator (typically two bolts securing the radiator to the core support). Remove these bolts completely. Check for any lower mounting brackets or pins that may need to be released.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove radiator from vehicle
   Carefully lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine bay. The radiator sits on lower mounting pins or brackets that will disengage as you lift. Tilt the radiator slightly toward the engine to clear the core support, then lift clear of the vehicle. Place the old radiator in a safe location with the filler neck up to prevent remaining coolant from spilling.
   ⚠Radiator fins are sharp and easily damaged. Wear gloves and handle carefully to avoid cuts and bent fins.
9. 9

   Prepare new radiator for installation
   Transfer any necessary mounting hardware from the old radiator to the new one, including rubber mounting insulators if not pre-installed. Install a new drain petcock in the new radiator, turning it hand-tight only. Ensure all mounting pins and brackets are properly positioned. Verify transmission cooler line fittings are correct for your application.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new radiator
    Carefully lower the new radiator into position, ensuring the lower mounting pins or tabs engage their corresponding holes in the core support. Align the radiator so it sits level and the upper mounting holes align with the core support. Install the radiator mounting bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect transmission cooler lines
    Remove the rags from the transmission cooler lines. Connect the transmission cooler lines to the new radiator. For quick-disconnect type, push firmly until you hear/feel a click. For threaded type, hand-tighten first, then torque to specification using a flare nut wrench.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install radiator hoses
    Install the lower radiator hose first, pushing it fully onto the radiator neck. Position a new hose clamp over the hose and radiator neck connection, then tighten to specification. Install the upper radiator hose in the same manner, ensuring the hose is fully seated before tightening the clamp. Verify both hoses are routed without kinks or interference.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan and shroud assembly
    Lower the fan and shroud assembly into position, engaging the lower shroud tabs with the radiator mounting points. Align the upper mounting holes and install the mounting bolts. Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
14. 14

    Fill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise until hand-tight. Using a funnel, fill the radiator through the radiator cap opening with a 50/50 mix of Motorcraft Orange Coolant and distilled water until full. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX COLD line. Reinstall the radiator cap. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
    ℹ️Total system capacity is 16 quarts. You may not use all coolant initially as air pockets will be present.
15. 15

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater set to maximum heat. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it remains in the normal range. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open and coolant level may drop. Add coolant as needed to maintain proper level. Run the engine for 10-15 minutes, then shut off and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Recheck coolant level in both radiator and reservoir when cool, and top off as necessary.
    ⚠Monitor for leaks during warm-up. If temperature gauge rises above normal, shut off engine immediately and investigate.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by pressing down firmly on all four corner grommets until seated
2. Verify all tools and parts have been removed from engine bay
3. Check transmission fluid level after test drive as some fluid was lost during cooler line disconnection

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator hoses, drain petcock, or transmission cooler line connections
• Confirm cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify heater produces hot air when engine is at operating temperature
• Check coolant reservoir level after engine cools completely - should be at MAX COLD line
• Inspect ground under vehicle after overnight parking for any coolant or transmission fluid leaks
• Take a short test drive and recheck all connections and fluid levels

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