Remove and replace the lower radiator hose on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including coolant drain and refill procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing is not recommended) × 2 — Worm gear style clamps

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 3 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan operation
4. Remove engine belly pan if equipped for better access to drain plug
5. Place large drain pan under radiator petcock or lower hose connection point

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly open the radiator petcock located at the bottom driver side of the radiator, or remove the lower radiator hose at the radiator end to drain coolant. Allow system to drain completely into the drain pan. If coolant is clean and less than 5 years old, it may be reused after filtering through clean cloth.
2. 2

   Remove lower hose clamp at radiator
   Locate the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator. Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, loosen the worm gear clamp and slide it down the hose away from the radiator connection point. Note the orientation of the clamp for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect hose from radiator
   Twist the lower radiator hose back and forth while pulling to break the seal and remove it from the radiator outlet. The hose may be stuck due to age; use controlled force and continue twisting motion. Catch any remaining coolant with towels or drain pan.
4. 4

   Remove lower hose clamp at water pump
   Access the lower hose connection at the water pump housing on the engine block. Loosen the worm gear clamp using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver and slide it down the hose away from the water pump connection.
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Twist and pull the hose from the water pump connection point. Remove the entire lower radiator hose assembly from the vehicle. Inspect both connection points on radiator and water pump for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean connection points with a shop towel if necessary.
6. 6

   Install new lower radiator hose
   Position new lower radiator hose ensuring routing matches original path and does not contact any sharp edges, pulleys, or heat sources. Apply thin film of coolant to inside of both hose ends to ease installation. Install hose onto water pump connection first, pushing firmly until hose bottoms out on the fitting.
7. 7

   Secure hose at water pump
   Slide hose clamp over the hose and position it approximately 1/2 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the connection bead on the water pump fitting. Tighten clamp to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect hose to radiator
   Push the radiator end of the lower hose firmly onto the radiator outlet until it bottoms out on the fitting. Ensure hose is fully seated and not twisted or kinked along its route.
9. 9

   Secure hose at radiator
   Slide hose clamp over the hose and position it approximately 1/2 inch from the end of the hose, centered over the connection bead on the radiator fitting. Tighten clamp to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

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

    Close drain and refill cooling system
    Close radiator petcock if used for draining. Remove radiator cap. Slowly fill cooling system with Mopar OAT Purple coolant through radiator cap opening until full. Allow coolant to settle, then continue filling. Install radiator cap when full.
11. 11

    Fill coolant reservoir
    Fill coolant reservoir to the MAX or FULL COLD line with Mopar OAT Purple coolant. Do not overfill.
12. 12

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to idle with heater on maximum temperature and fan on low speed. Monitor temperature gauge. Run until engine reaches operating temperature and thermostat opens (upper radiator hose becomes hot). Watch for coolant circulation in reservoir. Allow to run for 10 minutes after reaching operating temperature to purge air.
13. 13

    Check coolant level and inspect for leaks
    With engine still running, carefully inspect both hose connections for any coolant seepage. Shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Check coolant level in reservoir and top off to MAX line if needed. Reinstall engine belly pan if removed.

Reassembly

1. Ensure both hose clamps are positioned correctly and torqued to specification
2. Verify coolant reservoir is filled to MAX COLD line
3. Double-check all connections for leaks before returning vehicle to service
4. Reinstall any belly pans or shields removed during access

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at either hose connection point
• Confirm engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Check that heater produces hot air indicating proper coolant circulation
• Verify coolant level remains stable in reservoir after test drive
• Recheck coolant level after vehicle cools completely and top off if necessary
• Inspect under vehicle for any coolant drips after overnight parking

More procedures for this vehicle