This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both the upper and lower radiator hoses on a 2021-2024 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 Ford specification
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Hose clamps × 4 — Spring-type or worm-gear clamps as originally equipped

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release retaining grommets
4. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock located at bottom passenger side of radiator
5. Have approximately 13 quarts of Motorcraft Orange coolant ready for refill

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly loosen the radiator cap to release any residual pressure. Remove cap completely. Open the radiator drain petcock at the bottom of the radiator by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. If equipped with an undertray, remove it for access.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper radiator hose from engine side
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the thermostat housing on the driver side of the engine. Using hose clamp pliers or flat blade screwdriver, reposition or loosen the hose clamp at the engine connection point. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull firmly to remove from thermostat housing. Expect residual coolant spillage.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator hose from radiator side
   At the radiator inlet (top passenger side), reposition or loosen the hose clamp securing the upper hose. Twist and pull the hose from the radiator neck. Remove the upper radiator hose completely from the vehicle. Inspect the thermostat housing and radiator neck for cracks or damage.
4. 4

   Remove lower radiator hose from radiator side
   Access the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom driver side of the radiator. Reposition or loosen the hose clamp. Twist the hose to break the seal and pull from radiator outlet. Note the routing of the hose for reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose from water pump side
   Trace the lower radiator hose to the water pump connection on the front of the engine. Reposition or loosen the hose clamp at the water pump. Twist and pull the hose to remove from water pump inlet. Remove the lower radiator hose completely from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Clean connection surfaces
   Using shop towels, thoroughly clean all four hose connection points: thermostat housing, radiator inlet, radiator outlet, and water pump inlet. Remove any old gasket material, corrosion, or debris. Inspect each fitting for cracks, damage, or excessive corrosion that would require component replacement.
7. 7

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new hose clamps on both ends of the new lower radiator hose before installation. Route the lower hose following the original path, connecting first to the radiator outlet. Push hose fully onto radiator neck until it seats completely. Connect the other end to the water pump inlet, ensuring full seating. Verify hose routing does not contact sharp edges or moving components.
   ⚠Ensure hoses are pushed fully onto necks before tightening clamps. Insufficient seating will cause coolant leaks under pressure.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Secure lower radiator hose clamps
   Position both hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose. If using worm-gear clamps, tighten to specified torque using a torque wrench. If using spring-type clamps, position them in the groove provided on the connection neck. Verify clamps are positioned over the bead on the connection neck.
   Torque spec

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

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Position new hose clamps on both ends of the new upper radiator hose. Connect the upper hose to the thermostat housing first, pushing fully onto the neck until seated. Route the hose to the radiator inlet at the top passenger side and push firmly onto the radiator neck until fully seated. Ensure hose routing allows clearance from belt-driven accessories and has no sharp bends.
   Torque spec

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

    Secure upper radiator hose clamps
    Position both hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose connection. Tighten worm-gear clamps to specified torque, or ensure spring-type clamps are properly seated in their grooves. Double-check that all four hose connections are fully seated and clamps are secure.
    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 tightening to specified torque (hand tight). Using a funnel in the radiator fill neck, slowly pour Motorcraft Orange coolant mixture (50/50 pre-diluted recommended) until the radiator is full. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX cold fill line. Allow coolant to settle and add more as needed.
    Torque spec

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

    Burp cooling system and check for leaks
    With the radiator cap still off, start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor coolant level and add as needed as air is purged from the system. Run engine until the thermostat opens and coolant begins to circulate (upper hose will become hot). Rev engine to 2500 RPM several times to help purge air. Inspect all four hose connections for leaks. When no more air bubbles appear and coolant level stabilizes, install radiator cap. Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify no leaks.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of cooling fan which may activate at any time during this process.
    ⚠Coolant will become very hot during this procedure. Use caution when adding coolant to avoid burns.
13. 13

    Final system check and top-off
    After engine reaches operating temperature and cooling fan cycles on at least once, shut off engine and allow to cool for 30 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap and check coolant level, adding as necessary to bring to top of radiator neck. Check reservoir level and add to MAX line if needed. Reinstall radiator cap. Wipe down all connections and check for any signs of leakage. Reinstall engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any undertrays or splash shields removed for access
2. Verify engine cover is properly seated on all mounting grommets
3. Check coolant reservoir level after vehicle has sat overnight and top off if necessary
4. Monitor coolant level and temperature gauge for the first several drive cycles

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at any of the four hose connections
• Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Check that heater produces hot air when HVAC is set to heat mode
• Confirm coolant reservoir level remains at MAX line after test drive
• Verify no coolant puddles under vehicle after overnight parking
• Check for proper coolant concentration using hydrometer (should read protection to -34°F minimum)

More procedures for this vehicle