Replace upper and lower radiator hoses on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including coolant drain and refill procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Hose clamps (if reusing OEM clamps show wear) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 18 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan engagement during work
5. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on cover
6. Place large drain pan underneath radiator drain plug location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the coolant drain plug on the lower driver side of the radiator. Slowly loosen the drain plug and allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. Once drained, reinstall the drain plug hand-tight, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator hose clamps
   Locate the upper radiator hose connecting the radiator to the thermostat housing on the engine. Using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver, loosen the hose clamp at the radiator end. Slide the clamp away from the connection point. Repeat for the engine side connection at the thermostat housing.
3. 3

   Remove upper radiator hose
   Twist the upper radiator hose back and forth to break the seal at both connection points. Pull the hose off the radiator neck first, then remove from the thermostat housing. If hose is stuck, use a hose pick tool to carefully separate it from the fitting without damaging the radiator or housing connection points. Inspect the radiator neck and thermostat housing for damage or corrosion.
4. 4

   Remove lower radiator hose clamps
   Access the lower radiator hose connections. Loosen the hose clamp at the radiator lower outlet using hose clamp pliers or screwdriver. Slide the clamp away from the connection. Access the engine side connection (typically at the water pump inlet) and loosen that clamp as well. Note that lower access may require reaching from below the vehicle.
5. 5

   Remove lower radiator hose
   Twist the lower radiator hose to break the seal at both ends. Remove the hose from the radiator first, then from the water pump inlet. Remaining coolant will drain from the hose and engine, so keep the drain pan positioned appropriately. Use a hose pick if needed to separate stubborn connections. Inspect all connection points for damage.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new lower radiator hose
   Clean the radiator lower outlet and water pump inlet connection points with a shop towel, removing any old coolant residue or debris. Compare the new lower radiator hose to the old one to verify correct fitment. Position new hose clamps on the hose before installation. Install the lower hose onto the water pump inlet first, ensuring it seats fully onto the connection, then connect to the radiator lower outlet. Verify both ends are fully seated.
7. 7

   Tighten lower radiator hose clamps
   Position the hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose connection. Tighten the clamp at the water pump inlet first, then the radiator outlet clamp. Torque clamps to specification. Ensure clamps are positioned over the bead on the fittings and hose is not twisted or kinked.
   Torque spec

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

   Prepare and install new upper radiator hose
   Clean the radiator upper neck and thermostat housing connection points thoroughly. Compare the new upper radiator hose to the old one to verify correct fitment and routing. Position new hose clamps on the hose. Install the upper hose onto the thermostat housing first, ensuring full seating, then connect to the radiator upper neck. Verify both connections are fully seated and the hose routing does not interfere with any engine components or belts.
9. 9

   Tighten upper radiator hose clamps
   Position the hose clamps approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each connection point. Tighten the clamp at the thermostat housing first, then the radiator neck clamp. Torque clamps to specification. Verify clamps are positioned over the beads on the fittings.
   Torque spec

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

    Fill cooling system with fresh coolant
    Using a funnel or filling adapter at the radiator cap opening, slowly fill the cooling system with fresh Mopar OAT Purple coolant. Fill until coolant reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Also fill the coolant recovery reservoir to the MAX cold fill line. Allow coolant to settle for several minutes and top off as needed.
11. 11

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the radiator cap removed. Monitor coolant level and add coolant as air bleeds from the system and the level drops. Run the engine until the thermostat opens (indicated by hot coolant flowing through the radiator and upper hose becoming hot). Continue adding coolant as needed. Once the thermostat opens and coolant level stabilizes, rev the engine to 2000-2500 RPM several times to help purge remaining air. Top off coolant to the bottom of the filler neck.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools away from the electric cooling fan, which may activate at any time during this procedure.
12. 12

    Complete bleeding and final checks
    Install the radiator cap. Allow the engine to reach full operating temperature while monitoring the temperature gauge for normal operation. Turn on the cabin heater to maximum temperature and verify hot air flow, confirming coolant circulation. Check for leaks at all hose connections while the system is at operating temperature and pressure. Shut off the engine and allow to cool. Once cool, verify coolant level in the recovery reservoir and top off to the MAX cold line if needed.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if equipped by aligning mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Wipe down any coolant spills from engine bay and components
3. Verify all tools have been removed from engine bay
4. Properly dispose of old coolant and hoses at a recycling facility

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator hose connections
• Confirm engine reaches normal operating temperature without overheating
• Verify cabin heater produces hot air at maximum setting
• Check coolant level in recovery reservoir when cold and top off to MAX line if needed
• Inspect hose connections after first drive cycle for any seepage
• Monitor coolant level over the next several days and top off as any remaining air purges from the system

More procedures for this vehicle