How to Tighten or Replace Coolant Hoses in a Ford Mustang

The popular and sporty Ford Mustang is a reliable car when well maintained. Inspecting the cooling system twice a year helps prevent surprise problems and leaks. Performance upgrades to the Ford Mustang can benefit from upgrading the cooling hoses or entire cooling system.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car jack
• Jack stands
• Catch can
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Knife

1. Ensure the Ford Mustang engine has cooled for at least an hour and remove the radiator cap. Lift the front end of the car with a jack and place it on jack stands. Locate the radiator drain plug and place a bucket or catch can under it. Release enough coolant from the system to minimize leaking when removing the hoses.

2. Release the hose clamps with a pair of pliers or nut driver for screw clamps. Pull or twist the hose to free them from the fittings. Difficult to move hoses require cutting the hose at the fitting and peeling it off.

3. Prepare the new hose by coating the ends with clean coolant. Place the clamps onto the hose and push the ends over the fitting. Swap ends if the hose doesn't fit well as hoses often have different internal diameters at each end. Tighten the clamps by compressing a spring clamp with a pair of pliers or using a nut driver on screw clamps.

4. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant. Replace the radiator cap and start the Ford Mustang engine. Check for leaks around the hose connections and add coolant if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Reuse coolant if less than two years old and uncontaminated.
• Always store and dispose of coolant properly by taking it to a collection facility.

Resources

• Replacement hoses for the classic Mustang.

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