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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location on passenger side of radiator
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover - it is retained by grommets only
5. Locate the coolant reservoir and note the current coolant level for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly rotate the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait 10 seconds, then continue rotating to remove the cap completely. Set cap aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain plug on the passenger side lower corner of the radiator. Position drain pan directly below. Use an 8mm socket to loosen the drain plug and remove it completely. Allow coolant to drain until flow stops. Reinstall and tighten the drain plug.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access upper radiator hose
   The upper radiator hose connects from the radiator upper tank to the thermostat housing on the front of the engine. If equipped with active grille shutters, ensure wiring is clear of the work area. Visually trace the hose to identify both connection points and clamp locations.
4. 4

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Using hose clamp pliers or a flathead screwdriver, release the clamp at the radiator end of the upper hose by compressing the spring clamp tabs or loosening the worm-drive clamp. Slide the clamp back on the hose away from the connection point. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to remove from radiator neck. Repeat this process at the thermostat housing end. Remove the hose completely and inspect clamps for damage or excessive corrosion.
5. 5

   Access lower radiator hose
   The lower radiator hose connects from the lower radiator tank on the driver side to the water pump inlet at the front lower section of the engine. You may need to reach from underneath or through the wheel well area for access. Ensure adequate lighting to see both connection points clearly.
6. 6

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Release the clamp at the radiator end of the lower hose using the same method as the upper hose. Slide clamp away from the connection. Twist and pull the hose from the radiator outlet. Move to the water pump end and release that clamp. Twist and remove the hose from the water pump inlet. Remove the hose completely. Expect residual coolant to drain from the hose - have shop towels ready.
7. 7

   Inspect connection points
   With both hoses removed, inspect the radiator neck fittings, thermostat housing outlet, and water pump inlet for corrosion, cracks, or damage. Clean any debris or old coolant residue from all connection surfaces using a shop towel. Check that all surfaces are smooth with no sharp edges that could damage new hoses.
8. 8

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new or reusable clamps on the new lower hose before installation. Wet the inside of both hose ends with coolant to ease installation. Install the hose onto the water pump inlet first, ensuring it seats completely onto the inlet pipe - you should feel it bottom out against the pump housing. Slide the clamp into position 1/4 inch from the hose end and secure it. Move to the radiator end, push the hose fully onto the radiator outlet until seated, position the clamp, and tighten.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Position clamps on the new upper hose. Wet the inside of both hose ends with coolant. Install the hose onto the thermostat housing outlet first, ensuring full seating. Position and tighten the clamp. Route the hose to the radiator ensuring no twists or kinks, then install onto the radiator neck until fully seated. Position the clamp 1/4 inch from hose end and tighten. Verify the hose does not contact any sharp edges or moving components.
   Torque spec

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

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the coolant reservoir until the level reaches the COLD FILL MAX line. Do not overfill. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the reservoir cap off. Monitor coolant level and add coolant as needed as the system purges air. Run engine until the thermostat opens (upper hose becomes hot) and cooling fans cycle on. Continue adding coolant to maintain proper level.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of the engine cooling fan which may activate at any time during warm-up.
11. 11

    Burp cooling system
    With engine at operating temperature, increase idle to 2000 RPM for 30 seconds, then return to idle. This helps purge trapped air. Observe the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if needed. Install the coolant reservoir cap by rotating clockwise until it clicks into place. Allow engine to idle for 2 more minutes, then shut off.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Wipe down all hose connections and inspect for any signs of coolant seepage
3. Remove tools and drain pan from under vehicle

Verification

• Check coolant level in reservoir when engine is cold - should be at COLD FILL MAX line
• Inspect all four hose clamp connections for any signs of coolant leaks with engine cold
• Start engine and bring to operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at all hose connections
• Verify upper radiator hose becomes firm and hot when thermostat opens, indicating proper flow
• After test drive, recheck coolant level and inspect connections again for any seepage
• Monitor coolant level over the next few days and top off if necessary as remaining air purges from system

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