This procedure covers removal and replacement of the upper radiator hose on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing originals are damaged) × 2 — Worm gear style

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
3. Place drain pan underneath radiator petcock or lower radiator hose
4. Open hood and secure in upright position

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from system
   Remove radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Open radiator petcock at bottom of radiator or carefully loosen lower radiator hose clamp to drain coolant into drain pan. Drain until coolant level is below the upper radiator hose connection point on the radiator. Close petcock or retighten lower hose clamp once drained sufficiently.
2. 2

   Remove air intake components if needed
   On the 6.7L Cummins, assess if air intake tubing obstructs access to the upper radiator hose at the engine side. If necessary, loosen clamps and remove intake tube between air filter housing and turbocharger inlet for better access. Set aside carefully to avoid damage.
3. 3

   Release hose clamp at radiator end
   Locate the hose clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the radiator inlet (typically on passenger side of radiator). Use flat blade screwdriver or hose clamp pliers to open the worm gear clamp and slide it back onto the hose, away from the radiator connection point. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
4. 4

   Release hose clamp at engine end
   Locate the hose clamp at the thermostat housing or water outlet connection on the engine (driver side of engine, near front). Release this clamp using the same method and slide it back onto the hose away from the connection point.
5. 5

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the hose gently at both ends to break any seal formed by dried coolant. Carefully pull the hose off both the radiator inlet and engine outlet. The hose may be stiff; work it back and forth if necessary. Inspect connection points on radiator and engine for corrosion, damage, or debris.
6. 6

   Clean connection surfaces
   Use shop towels to clean both the radiator inlet neck and engine water outlet neck. Remove any old coolant residue, corrosion, or gasket material. Ensure surfaces are smooth and free of damage that could cause leaks.
7. 7

   Install new upper radiator hose
   Position new hose clamps onto the new hose before installation. Slide the radiator end of the hose onto the radiator inlet neck, ensuring it seats fully against the bead or stop on the neck. Then connect the engine end to the thermostat housing or water outlet, again ensuring full seating.
8. 8

   Secure hose clamps
   Position both hose clamps approximately 1/2 inch back from the end of each hose connection. Tighten clamps to specification using torque wrench. Ensure clamps are positioned over the raised bead area of each connection neck for proper sealing.
   Torque spec

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

   Reinstall air intake components
   If air intake tubing was removed in step 2, reinstall it now. Ensure all connections are secure and clamps are properly tightened.
10. 10

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, slowly add Mopar OAT purple coolant through the radiator fill neck. Fill until coolant is visible at the base of the filler neck. Also fill the coolant overflow reservoir to the FULL COLD mark. Install radiator cap securely.
11. 11

    Bleed air from cooling system
    Start engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with heater on maximum heat setting. Monitor coolant level in overflow tank and add coolant as needed. Allow engine to run until cooling fan cycles on at least once, indicating thermostat has opened. Watch for proper circulation and no leaks at hose connections.
    ⚠Do not remove radiator cap while engine is hot or running. Monitor from a safe distance and watch temperature gauge to prevent overheating.
12. 12

    Final coolant level check
    After engine has cooled completely (at least 2 hours), recheck coolant level in both radiator and overflow tank. Top off as necessary to proper levels. Inspect hose connections for any signs of seepage or leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are torqued to specification and positioned correctly over connection beads
2. Verify air intake system is fully reassembled if it was disturbed during the procedure
3. Double-check that radiator cap is installed securely

Verification

• Start engine and visually inspect both hose connections for leaks while engine warms up
• Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Confirm heater produces hot air, indicating proper coolant circulation
• After test drive, recheck coolant level when engine is cool and inspect for any wet spots around hose connections
• Check overflow tank level is at FULL COLD mark with cool engine

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