This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the upper radiator hose on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing clamps is not possible) × 2 — Spring-type or worm-gear as original

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Place drain pan underneath the front of the vehicle beneath the radiator drain
5. Locate the upper radiator hose running from the top of the radiator to the engine thermostat housing on the passenger side of the engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure. Remove the cap completely once pressure is relieved. Set cap aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Drain coolant
   Open the radiator petcock valve at the bottom passenger side of the radiator by turning counterclockwise, or remove the lower radiator hose at the radiator if no petcock is accessible. Drain approximately 2-3 quarts of coolant into the drain pan. This reduces coolant loss and mess during upper hose removal. Close petcock or reconnect lower hose once sufficient coolant is drained.
3. 3

   Remove upper hose clamp at radiator
   Locate the hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the radiator neck. If using a spring-type clamp, use hose clamp pliers or needle nose pliers to compress the clamp ears and slide it back along the hose away from the radiator neck. If using a worm-gear clamp, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the clamp screw and slide the clamp back.
4. 4

   Remove upper hose clamp at engine
   Locate the hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing on the passenger side of the engine. Use the same method as Step 3 to release and slide the clamp away from the thermostat housing connection point.
5. 5

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the hose gently while pulling to break the seal at both the radiator neck and thermostat housing. Pull the hose off both connections. Some residual coolant will drain from the hose and connection points - allow this to drain into the drain pan or catch with shop towels. Remove the hose completely from the engine bay.
6. 6

   Clean connection surfaces
   Use a shop towel to clean the radiator neck and thermostat housing connection surfaces. Remove any old rubber residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect both connection points for cracks or damage. The surfaces should be smooth and clean for proper seal with the new hose.
7. 7

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Slide the hose clamps onto the new upper radiator hose before installation, positioning one clamp near each end. Connect the new hose to the thermostat housing first, pushing it fully onto the connection until it seats against the housing stop. Then route the hose to the radiator and push it fully onto the radiator neck until it seats completely.
8. 8

   Secure hose clamps
   Slide the hose clamp at the thermostat housing into position approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the connection point. Tighten the clamp securely. Repeat for the radiator neck clamp. If using worm-gear clamps, torque to specification. If using spring clamps, ensure they are fully compressed and positioned correctly.
   Torque spec

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

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, pour Motorcraft Orange Coolant into the radiator fill neck until the level reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Pour slowly to allow air to escape. Also fill the coolant reservoir to the COLD FILL line. Install the radiator cap securely.
10. 10

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature and fan on high. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it stays in the normal range. Run the engine until the cooling fans cycle on and off at least once, indicating the thermostat has opened. This typically takes 10-15 minutes. Watch for leaks at both hose connections during this process.
11. 11

    Top off coolant and final check
    After the engine has cooled down (at least 30 minutes after shutdown), recheck the coolant level in both the radiator and reservoir. Top off as needed to the appropriate levels. Inspect both hose clamp connections for any signs of seepage or leaks. Wipe the connections dry with a shop towel and check again after the next drive cycle.

Reassembly

1. Ensure hose clamps are positioned correctly and torqued to specification
2. Verify coolant reservoir is filled to the COLD FILL line
3. Confirm radiator cap is properly installed and seated
4. Clean up any spilled coolant from engine bay and undercarriage

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at either hose connection point
• Confirm engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Verify cooling fans cycle on and off normally
• Check that heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• After initial test drive, recheck coolant level and top off if necessary
• Inspect hose connections after vehicle has cooled to confirm no seepage or wetness

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