How to Replace the Heater Hoses in a Ford F-Series

One of the most common areas where the cooling system can begin to leak is from the heater hoses. The rubber composite of these hoses make them prone to splitting, cracking and bulging. If you spot any of these problems with the heater hoses in your Ford F-Series truck it's time to replace them. This replacement is simple enough that nearly anyone can perform it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Screwdriver or pliers
• Gasket sealer
• Heater hoses
• Hose clamps
• Coolant

1. Position a bucket underneath the radiator and directly below the drain plug. This plug is usually on the passenger side and near the front wheel well on Ford F-Series trucks.

2. Open the drain plug to allow the coolant to drain into the bucket.

3. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the clamps from the old heater hose. Which one you need will depend on the type of clamp that secures the hoses in place on your Ford F-Series.

4. Take a knife and cut the hoses to make it easier to remove them. Once removed, scrape the heater fittings clean. The fittings are where the hoses connect to the heater.

5. Put a small portion of gasket sealer on the fitting. Be sure to apply the sealer only to the fitting and not the new hoses. Next, put the clamps on the new hoses and put the hoses into place.

6. Slide the clamps up the new hose and tighten them back into place. Verify that the clamps are securely in place and the hose covers the fitting before you tighten the clamps.

7. Refill the radiator with coolant and start the engine. Allow the Ford F-Series truck to run for about 15 minutes to check for leaks in the new hoses. If you spot a leak, turn off the engine and tighten the clamps once again. If it still leaks, you may have a new hose that's defective.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to replace the hose clamps, as they can become corroded and ineffective.
• Never open a radiator drain or replace the heater hoses when the engine is hot, as the coolant can burn you severely. Wait for it to cool off before you perform any work on the Ford F-Series truck.
• Don't pull or twist the hoses when removing them, as it can damage the heater core.
• Be sure you dispose of the coolant properly, if you aren't going to reuse it, as it's very toxic to people and pets.