This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both the upper and lower radiator hoses on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing old clamps shows wear) × 4 — Worm-gear type, appropriate size

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock on passenger side of radiator
4. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge, then lifting off
5. Locate both radiator hoses: upper hose connects from radiator top tank to thermostat housing on front of engine; lower hose connects from radiator bottom tank to water pump inlet

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open the radiator drain petcock located on the passenger side lower corner of the radiator by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. If your vehicle has a coolant drain plug on the engine block, it is not necessary to remove it for this procedure.
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose clamps
   Locate the spring clamps or worm-gear clamps securing the upper radiator hose at both the radiator end and the thermostat housing end. If equipped with spring clamps, use hose clamp pliers to compress and slide them away from the connection points (minimum 2 inches back). If equipped with worm-gear clamps, use a flathead screwdriver to loosen them and slide back along the hose.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the upper hose gently at both connection points to break the seal, then pull off from the radiator and thermostat housing. The hose may be stuck due to age; carefully use a flathead screwdriver to pry between the hose and fitting if needed, being careful not to damage the radiator or thermostat housing necks. Allow any remaining coolant to drain.
   ⚠Do not use excessive force or sharp tools that could damage the radiator neck or thermostat housing, as these components are expensive to replace.
4. 4

   Remove lower radiator hose clamps
   Access the lower radiator hose from underneath the vehicle or through the wheel well. Locate the clamps at both the radiator lower tank and water pump inlet. Compress spring clamps with hose clamp pliers and slide back, or loosen worm-gear clamps with a flathead screwdriver and slide back along the hose at least 2 inches.
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Twist the lower hose at both connection points to break the seal. Pull the hose off from both the radiator lower tank and the water pump inlet. You may need to access from both above and below. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan. Inspect the radiator and water pump fittings for cracks or damage.
6. 6

   Clean connection points
   Use a shop towel to thoroughly clean the radiator upper and lower neck connections, as well as the thermostat housing outlet and water pump inlet. Remove any old gasket material, corrosion, or debris. Inspect all four connection points for cracks, corrosion, or damage that would prevent a good seal.
7. 7

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position the new lower radiator hose by first installing it onto the water pump inlet, pushing it fully onto the fitting until it seats against the pump body. Then route the hose to the radiator lower tank and push it fully onto the radiator neck. Ensure both ends are fully seated before proceeding.
8. 8

   Secure lower hose clamps
   Slide the hose clamps into position over both connection points. Position each clamp approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose. If using worm-gear clamps, tighten them to specification using a torque wrench. If reusing spring clamps, ensure they are properly seated in their grooves and providing even pressure around the hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Install the new upper radiator hose by first pushing it fully onto the thermostat housing outlet at the front of the engine until it seats completely. Route the hose to the radiator and push it fully onto the radiator upper tank neck. Verify both ends are fully seated against their stops.
10. 10

    Secure upper hose clamps
    Position the hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the hose at both the radiator and thermostat housing connections. If using worm-gear clamps, tighten to specification with a torque wrench. Ensure spring clamps are properly seated if reusing factory clamps.
    Torque spec

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

    Close drain and refill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise and torque to specification (hand tight). Using a funnel, fill the cooling system with Motorcraft Orange coolant through the radiator cap opening (if equipped) or the coolant expansion tank. Fill to the cold fill line on the expansion tank. The system capacity is 16 quarts total.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Burp cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to run at idle with the heater set to maximum temperature. Monitor the coolant level and add coolant as needed as the thermostat opens and air pockets are purged. Run until the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the cooling fans cycle on. Carefully check for leaks at all four hose connections while the system is pressurized.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools away from the engine cooling fan, which may turn on at any time when the engine is running.
13. 13

    Final coolant level adjustment
    After the engine has reached operating temperature and the cooling fans have cycled, shut off the engine and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Recheck the coolant level in the expansion tank and top off to the cold fill line if necessary. Reinstall the engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are torqued to specification and positioned properly
2. Verify the radiator drain petcock is closed and not leaking
3. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs first, then pressing down on front clips until seated
4. Wipe down any coolant residue from engine components and radiator

Verification

• With engine at operating temperature, visually inspect all four hose connections for coolant leaks
• Check coolant level in expansion tank is at the cold fill line with engine cold
• Verify heater produces hot air at idle, confirming proper coolant circulation
• Check for any coolant drips under the vehicle after the first drive
• Monitor coolant level over the next few days and top off if needed as remaining air purges from the system

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