Radiator Hose - Lower

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the lower radiator hose on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant draining and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing old clamps shows wear) × 2 — Spring-type or worm-gear clamps

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under the radiator drain petcock location
4. Remove engine cover by pulling up on cover - it is retained by grommets on ball studs

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the driver's side bottom of the radiator. Slowly open the petcock counterclockwise to begin draining coolant into the drain pan. You do not need to drain the entire system, but drain at least 2-3 quarts to get the coolant level below the lower hose connection point. Once drained to this level, close the petcock hand-tight.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access lower radiator hose at radiator end
   The lower radiator hose connects to the lower driver's side outlet of the radiator. Locate the hose clamp securing the hose to the radiator outlet. Note the clamp orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove radiator-end hose clamp
   Using flathead screwdriver or hose clamp pliers, loosen the hose clamp at the radiator outlet. If using a spring-type clamp, compress the tabs and slide it back along the hose away from the radiator connection. If using a worm-gear clamp, loosen the screw and slide the clamp back. Move the clamp at least 4 inches back from the radiator outlet.
4. 4

   Remove radiator-end hose connection
   Twist the hose gently while pulling to break the seal between the hose and radiator outlet. Pull the hose off the radiator outlet. Expect some residual coolant spillage. If the hose is stuck, use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry between the hose and outlet, working around the circumference to break the seal. Do not damage the radiator outlet neck.
5. 5

   Access water pump end of lower hose
   Follow the lower radiator hose to where it connects to the water pump housing on the front driver's side of the engine block. You may need to reach from above or below depending on your access preference. Locate the hose clamp at the water pump inlet.
6. 6

   Remove water pump-end hose clamp
   Loosen the hose clamp at the water pump inlet connection using the same method as the radiator end. Slide the clamp back along the hose away from the water pump connection point.
7. 7

   Remove hose from water pump
   Twist and pull the hose to remove it from the water pump inlet. The connection may be tight due to years of heat cycling. Work the hose gently to avoid damaging the water pump inlet neck. Once removed, inspect the water pump inlet for any cracks or damage. Allow any remaining coolant to drain from the hose into your drain pan.
   ⚠The water pump inlet is cast aluminum and can crack if excessive force is applied. Use twisting motions rather than prying directly against the pump housing.
8. 8

   Inspect connection points and prepare new hose
   Clean the radiator outlet and water pump inlet with a shop rag to remove any old rubber residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect both connection points for cracks or damage. Check the new lower radiator hose against the old one to confirm correct fitment and length. If reusing clamps, inspect them for corrosion or damage and replace if necessary.
9. 9

   Install hose clamps on new hose
   Slide both hose clamps onto the new lower radiator hose before connecting either end. Position them approximately where they will need to be (one for radiator end, one for water pump end), but keep them loose and toward the middle of the hose for now.
10. 10

    Connect hose to water pump
    Push the water pump end of the new lower radiator hose firmly onto the water pump inlet. Ensure the hose is fully seated on the inlet neck - you should see the hose pushed all the way to the base of the neck with no gaps. Twist the hose slightly to ensure proper seating. Position the hose routing to match the original installation path.
11. 11

    Secure water pump hose clamp
    Slide the hose clamp into position over the water pump inlet connection point. The clamp should be positioned approximately 1/2 inch back from the end of the hose. Tighten the clamp to specification using your torque wrench. For spring-type clamps, ensure they are positioned correctly and fully engaged.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect hose to radiator
    Route the hose to the radiator lower outlet and push the hose firmly onto the outlet neck. Ensure full seating with no gaps between the hose and the base of the outlet neck. The hose should follow the original routing without kinks or sharp bends.
13. 13

    Secure radiator hose clamp
    Slide the remaining hose clamp into position over the radiator outlet connection, approximately 1/2 inch back from the end of the hose. Tighten the clamp to specification. Verify both hose connections are secure by attempting to twist and pull the hose at each connection point - there should be no movement.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, add Motorcraft Orange Coolant to the cooling system through the coolant expansion tank (degas bottle) until the level reaches the COLD FILL mark on the reservoir. Add coolant slowly to allow air to escape. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater on high. Monitor coolant level and add as needed as air purges from the system. The radiator fan should cycle on at least once.
15. 15

    Burp cooling system and check for leaks
    With engine at operating temperature, carefully check both hose connections for any signs of coolant leakage. Allow the engine to cool, then recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank and top off to the COLD FILL mark if needed. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets with the ball studs and pressing down firmly.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both hose clamps are torqued to specification at 3.0 Nm (2.0 lb-ft)
2. Verify coolant level is at COLD FILL mark on the expansion tank after system has fully cooled
3. Reinstall engine cover by pressing onto ball stud mounts until grommets click into place

Verification

• Start engine and bring to full operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at both hose connections
• Verify radiator cooling fan cycles on and off automatically
• Check that heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• After test drive and cool-down, recheck coolant level and inspect both clamp connections for any seepage
• Confirm no coolant odor or visible leaks in the driveway after overnight parking

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