Radiator Hose - Upper

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Ford Motorcraft part or equivalent
• Hose clamps (if reusing original clamps shows wear) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open the hood and secure it in the open position
4. Locate the upper radiator hose running from the top of the radiator to the thermostat housing on the engine

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Place the drain pan under the radiator drain petcock located at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain into the pan. Once drained, close the petcock hand tight.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove radiator cap
   Remove the radiator cap from the radiator filler neck to allow complete drainage and relieve any residual pressure in the system.
   ⚠Even when cold, some residual pressure may remain. Turn cap slowly and listen for any hissing before fully removing.
3. 3

   Release hose clamp at radiator end
   Locate the hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the radiator outlet neck. If equipped with a spring-type clamp, use hose clamp pliers to compress the clamp tabs and slide it back along the hose away from the radiator neck. If equipped with a worm-gear clamp, use a flat blade screwdriver or 8mm socket to loosen the clamp and slide it back on the hose.
4. 4

   Release hose clamp at thermostat housing
   Locate the hose clamp at the engine thermostat housing connection. Use the appropriate tool to release or loosen the clamp and slide it away from the thermostat housing neck on the hose.
5. 5

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the hose gently at both connection points to break the seal, then pull the hose off the radiator outlet and thermostat housing. Some residual coolant will drain from the hose, so keep the drain pan positioned underneath. Remove the hose from the engine bay.
6. 6

   Inspect and clean connection points
   Inspect the radiator outlet neck and thermostat housing neck for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean both surfaces with a shop towel. Check that the sealing surfaces are smooth and free from cracks or deterioration.
7. 7

   Install hose clamps on new hose
   Slide the hose clamps onto the new upper radiator hose before installation. Position one clamp approximately 2 inches from each end of the hose. Ensure clamps are oriented correctly for access after installation.
8. 8

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Press the new hose firmly onto the thermostat housing neck first, ensuring it is fully seated against the shoulder. Then connect the radiator end, ensuring it is fully seated on the radiator outlet neck. The hose should fit snugly on both connections.
9. 9

   Secure hose clamps
   Position the hose clamps so they are centered over the connection points, approximately 1/2 inch from the end of each hose. Tighten worm-gear clamps to the specified torque, or compress and position spring-type clamps over the neck shoulders. Ensure clamps are properly seated in the bead area of both necks.
   Torque spec

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

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the radiator filler neck until the level reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Also fill the coolant reservoir to the COLD MAX line. Install the radiator cap.
11. 11

    Burp cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater on maximum heat. Monitor the temperature gauge. As the thermostat opens and coolant circulates, air pockets will release. The coolant level may drop; add additional coolant as needed through the reservoir. Run until the cooling fan cycles on, then turn off the engine.
    ⚠Monitor the temperature gauge closely. If temperature rises above normal operating range, shut off engine immediately and recheck for proper installation and air pockets.
12. 12

    Final coolant level check
    After the engine has cooled completely (at least 1 hour), recheck the coolant level in both the radiator and reservoir. Top off as necessary to ensure the reservoir is at the COLD MAX line. Check for any visible leaks at both hose connections.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are properly tightened to specification
2. Verify coolant reservoir is filled to COLD MAX line
3. Confirm radiator cap is properly installed and secured
4. Wipe down any coolant spills from engine bay components

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at either hose connection point
• Confirm engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Verify cooling fan cycles on and off properly
• Check that heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Inspect ground under vehicle for any coolant drips after test drive
• Recheck coolant level after first drive cycle and top off if necessary

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