How to Tighten or Replace Coolant Hoses in a Ford F-Series

Maintaining the cooling system on the rugged Ford F-Series truck requires spring and fall inspections of the cooling hoses. Change the cooling hoses every four years to eliminate internal wear problems. The Ford F-Series truck has lots of room in the engine bay for easy access to hoses from above and below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Catch can
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Knife

1. Let the engine cool for an hour after driving and remove the radiator cap. Locate the radiator drain plug and lace a bucket or catch can underneath it. Release enough coolant to that little or no coolant leaks when removing the hoses.

2. Loosen the coolant hose clamps with a pair of pliers or use a nut driver on screw clamps. Pull the hose from the fitting, twist if necessary. Use a knife to cut difficult hoses and peel it away from the nipple.

3. Dip the new hose in coolant to ease installation and slide the clamps over the ends. Push the new hose onto the fittings. Swap ends if the hose is too tight on one fitting as the hose may be directional.

4. Close the drain plug if necessary and replace the radiator cap on the Ford F-Series. Start the truck and look for leaks around the fittings. Add coolant if needed when the system circulates.

Tips & Warnings

• Heavy-duty towing packages include an upgraded cooling system. Look for an extra cooling hose when replacing the primary hoses.

Resources

• Answers, tips and advice for Ford trucks of all ages.

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