This procedure covers removal and replacement of the lower radiator hose on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (worm gear type) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (replacement for spillage) × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and verify engine has cooled by touching upper radiator hose
4. Place drain pan under radiator petcock location on passenger side of radiator
5. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover (press-fit clips)

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure, then remove completely. Locate the radiator drain petcock at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain into the pan. The lower hose holds significant coolant, so ensure adequate drain pan capacity.
2. 2

   Access lower radiator hose at radiator
   Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom passenger side of the radiator. The hose is secured with a worm-gear type clamp. Position the drain pan directly under this connection to catch remaining coolant.
3. 3

   Remove radiator-side hose clamp
   Use a flat blade screwdriver or 8mm socket to loosen the worm-gear clamp at the radiator connection. Turn the clamp screw counterclockwise until the clamp is loose enough to slide along the hose. Slide the clamp 3-4 inches back onto the hose away from the radiator neck.
4. 4

   Disconnect hose from radiator
   Twist the hose back and forth while pulling to break the seal and remove it from the radiator neck. Expect additional coolant to drain from both the hose and radiator. If the hose is stuck, carefully use a flat blade screwdriver to gently pry between the hose and radiator neck, being careful not to damage the radiator.
5. 5

   Access lower hose at engine block
   Follow the lower radiator hose to the engine block connection on the driver side. The connection point is at the water pump housing on the front of the engine block, below the alternator. Reposition the drain pan under this connection point.
6. 6

   Remove engine-side hose clamp
   Loosen the worm-gear clamp at the engine block/water pump connection using a flat blade screwdriver or 8mm socket. Turn counterclockwise and slide the clamp back along the hose away from the connection point. Access may be limited; work from above or below as needed.
7. 7

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Twist and pull the hose off the water pump housing connection. Maneuver the hose out from the engine bay, routing it around any obstructions. Inspect both connection points (radiator neck and water pump housing) for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean both surfaces with a shop towel if necessary.
8. 8

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Compare the new hose to the old hose to verify correct part. Slide new worm-gear clamps onto both ends of the new hose before installation. Route the new hose into position, ensuring it follows the same path as the original and does not contact any sharp edges or moving components. Connect the hose to the water pump housing first, pushing it firmly onto the neck until it seats completely.
9. 9

   Secure engine-side connection
   Position the hose clamp 1/4 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the water pump housing neck. Tighten the clamp screw to the specified torque. Ensure the hose is fully seated on the connection before final tightening.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Secure radiator-side connection
    Push the radiator end of the hose firmly onto the radiator neck until fully seated. Position the hose clamp 1/4 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the radiator neck. Tighten the clamp screw to the specified torque.
    Torque spec

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

    Close radiator petcock and refill coolant
    Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise until snug (hand tight only). Pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the radiator filler neck slowly until the level reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Allow time for air to escape and coolant to settle. The system capacity is 13 quarts total, but the amount needed depends on what was drained.
12. 12

    Burp cooling system
    With the radiator cap still off, start the engine and allow it to idle. Set the heater to maximum temperature and fan speed. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open and coolant level will drop. Add coolant as needed to maintain level at the bottom of the filler neck. Continue until the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the electric cooling fans cycle on. Watch for steady coolant flow and no air bubbles in the radiator.
13. 13

    Final fill and cap installation
    With the engine at operating temperature, top off the coolant to the bottom of the radiator filler neck. Install the radiator cap by pressing down and turning clockwise until it locks. Check the coolant reservoir level and fill to the COLD FILL line. Shut off the engine and reinstall the engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Verify both hose clamps are torqued to specification and properly positioned
2. Ensure hose routing matches original configuration with no contact on sharp edges
3. Confirm radiator cap is properly locked in place
4. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated

Verification

• Inspect both hose connections for coolant leaks while engine is running at operating temperature
• Check coolant level in reservoir after engine cools - should be at COLD FILL line
• Verify no coolant puddles under vehicle after test drive
• Confirm heater produces hot air at idle, indicating proper coolant circulation
• Monitor coolant level and temperature gauge for next several days to ensure no slow leaks or air pockets remain

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