Radiator Hoses - Both

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both upper and lower radiator hoses on the 2017 Maserati Levante with 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, including proper coolant drainage and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM Maserati specification
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM Maserati specification
• Radiator hose clamps × 4 — OEM spring-type or worm-drive clamps
• Coolant O-rings (if applicable) × 2 — Inspect and replace as needed

Fluids

• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent cooling fan activation during work
4. Remove engine cover by lifting upward on rear tabs and pulling back
5. Remove lower splash shield or undertray to access radiator drain plug
6. Place large drain pan (12+ quart capacity) under radiator drain plug location
7. Take photographs of hose routing and clamp positions for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly open the radiator drain plug (petcock) at the bottom of the radiator to begin draining coolant. If equipped with a coolant drain plug on the engine block, open it as well to ensure complete drainage. Allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan, which may take 10-15 minutes.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper engine covers and air intake components
   Remove any additional trim covers or air intake ducting that obstructs access to the upper radiator hose connection at the thermostat housing. On the twin turbo V6, you may need to disconnect the air intake tube from the throttle body and move it aside. Label any vacuum lines or connectors removed.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose running from the radiator outlet to the thermostat housing on the engine. Using hose clamp pliers or a screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp at the radiator end first. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull it off the radiator outlet. Repeat the process at the thermostat housing end. Remove any residual coolant with shop towels. Inspect the connection points for corrosion or damage.
   ⚠Even after draining, residual coolant will spill from hoses. Keep towels ready and aim hose ends into drain pan.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Access and remove lower radiator hose
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the lower radiator hose connecting the bottom radiator inlet to the water pump or lower coolant pipe. Loosen the hose clamp at the radiator end using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver. Twist and remove the hose from the radiator. Access the engine-side connection (this may require reaching from above or below depending on clearance) and loosen the clamp. Twist and remove the hose completely.
   ℹ️The lower hose may be partially hidden by the front subframe or AC lines. Use a work light to verify clamp positions before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Clean and inspect connection points
   Using a wire brush or clean shop towel, clean all four hose connection points (radiator upper and lower outlets, thermostat housing, and water pump/coolant pipe). Remove any old coolant residue, corrosion, or debris. Inspect the radiator outlet tubes and engine-side pipes for cracks, corrosion, or damage that could cause leaks. Replace any damaged components before installing new hoses.
6. 6

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new worm-drive or spring-type hose clamps on the new lower radiator hose before installation. Slide the hose onto the radiator lower outlet first, positioning it fully onto the tube. Install the clamp in the correct groove position and tighten to specification. Route the hose to the engine-side connection (water pump or coolant pipe), ensuring proper clearance from moving parts, exhaust, and sharp edges. Slide the hose fully onto the connection and tighten the clamp to specification.
   ⚠Ensure hoses do not contact exhaust manifolds, turbocharger components, or sharp edges that could cause abrasion and failure.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Place hose clamps on the new upper radiator hose. Connect the hose to the thermostat housing first, ensuring it seats fully on the outlet pipe. Position the clamp properly in the groove and tighten to specification. Route the hose to the radiator upper outlet, verifying clearance from fan blades, belts, and other moving components. Seat the hose fully on the radiator outlet and tighten the clamp to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Close drain points and reinstall shields
   Close and tighten the radiator drain petcock to specification (hand-tight). If the engine block drain plug was removed, reinstall it with a new crush washer if applicable and torque to specification. Reinstall the lower splash shield or undertray. Wipe down all areas to remove coolant residue.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, slowly fill the cooling system with Maserati OAT coolant through the coolant expansion tank or radiator fill cap (depending on configuration). Fill to the cold fill line on the expansion tank. Allow coolant to settle and top off as needed. The system capacity is approximately 10 quarts. Reinstall the cap loosely at this stage.
   ℹ️Fill slowly to avoid air pockets. The twin turbo engine has multiple coolant passages that must fill completely.
10. 10

    Bleed cooling system and check for leaks
    Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater on maximum temperature and fan speed. Monitor coolant level in the expansion tank and add coolant as the system purges air. Run the engine until the thermostat opens and coolant begins circulating (coolant temperature gauge reaches normal operating range). Check both upper and lower hose connections for leaks. Carefully squeeze the upper radiator hose to help purge air pockets. Once at operating temperature, shut off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
    ⚠️Keep hands and tools away from the cooling fan, which may activate automatically even with the engine at idle.
    ⚠Do not remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot or running. Wait for the engine to cool before final level check.
11. 11

    Final coolant level check
    After the engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the expansion tank. Top off to the cold fill line if necessary. Tighten the expansion tank cap fully. Check all hose connections once more for any signs of seepage or leaks. Wipe the area clean for easier leak detection during the verification drive.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake components, vacuum lines, and any connectors removed during disassembly in reverse order
2. Reinstall engine covers and ensure all clips and fasteners are secured
3. Double-check that all hose clamps are tightened to specification and positioned in the proper grooves
4. Verify cooling fan rotates freely and is not obstructed by hoses or components

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at any hose connections while at idle
• Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify thermostat opens (upper hose becomes hot)
• Check for proper heater operation at maximum temperature setting
• Test drive the vehicle for 10-15 minutes, monitoring coolant temperature gauge for normal operation
• After test drive, perform a final visual inspection of all hose connections for leaks or seepage
• Verify coolant level remains at the cold fill line after the system has fully cooled
• Check for any unusual smells, steam, or coolant odor that would indicate a leak

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