How to Change the Radiator Hoses in a Lincoln Town Car

A radiator hose will eventually dry out and crack.

Over time, the radiator hoses on a Lincoln Town Car will rot, crack and then fail. The suggested time frame for changing the hoses in a Lincoln is every five years or sooner if cracks appear upon inspection. Replacing the hoses can be done in your own garage and it is not necessary to take the vehicle to a repair center. Common automotive tools are needed to complete the job. If you forgo changing your hoses and it has been five years, you risk getting stranded due to a cooling system failure.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Four band clamps
• Upper radiator hose
• Screwdriver
• Ramps
• Wheel chuck
• Lower radiator hose

Instructions

Top Hose

1. Remove the radiator hose from the radiator by squeezing the two tabs located on the clamp together with a pair of pliers. Squeezing the tabs together releases the clamp's pressure on the hose. With the tabs squeezed together, pull the hose off the radiator inlet.

2. Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing by squeezing the two tabs on the clamp together. With the tabs squeezed together, pull the radiator hose off the thermostat housing.

3. Place two band clamps equipped with screw cams onto the top radiator hose.

4. Slip one end of the radiator hose onto the thermostat housing and slide the band clamp into place. Tighten the clamp with a screwdriver.

5. Slip the other end of the radiator hose onto the radiator inlet tube and slide the band clamp into place. Tighten the band clamp with a screwdriver.

Bottom Hose

1. Drive the Town Car onto a set of front-end ramps to gain ground clearance under the radiator. Secure the vehicle by setting the emergency brake and place a wheel chuck behind the rear tire.

2. Place a bucket under the petcock (drain) of the radiator. The petcock is located on the bottom of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning it counter-clockwise with a pair of pliers. Allow all of the radiator fluid to drain into the bucket.

3. Remove the radiator hose from the radiator outlet tube by squeezing the tabs on the clamp together. With the tabs squeezed together pull the hose off the outlet tube. Drain any excess fluid from the hose into the bucket.

4. Trace the radiator hose to the location where it connects to the engine's water pump. Remove the hose from the water pump by squeezing the tabs together on the clamp. With the tabs squeezed together, pull the hose off the water pump.

5. Place two band clamps onto the bottom radiator hose.

6. Place one end of the radiator hose onto the water pump and slide the band clamp into place. Secure the clamp with a screwdriver.

7. Place the other end of the hose onto the radiator outlet tube and slide the band clamp into place. Secure the clamp with a screwdriver.

References

• "Lincoln Town Car Repair Manual Years 1981 to 2010"; Haynes; 2010