F53 V10 radiator hose replacement

[btcruzer]

So, I'm thinking it might be time to replace my coolant hoses. I crawled under there and the hoses look to be great condition but they also look to be the originals. The chassis is an '02. Problem is, they don't look to be anything I could pick up at the local auto parts. I haven't been able to find them on-line, any suggestions?

[happy-2]

I Replaced the Both Radiator hoses, All heater hoses,Surpitine Belt,All hose clamps and Antifreeze.Better at home than on the road.REMEMBER RUBBER ROUTS from the inside out JUST LIKE TIRES,Thats why you replace in time and not milage.

[JoeH]

I'd suggest replacing the spring clamps Ford used when you put on the new hoses. They had a tendency to come off at inopportune times.

[garyemunson]

I see Rock Auto charging $75. Still cheap for the peace of mind....

[campinginthewoo]

try rockauto.com. upper 20$ lower 41$

[btcruzer]

Yep, I replaced the expansion tank last summer. That is what got me to thinking about the hoses. Oddly enough I checked with local auto zone and they have both the lower and upper hose IN STOCK. But not the heater hoses or the radiator to expansion tank hose. The lower hose was marked as made in USA by Dayco but looked kinda like a cheap knockoff. The bends were just kind of in the same pattern as the orig. To tell the truth, my existing hose(s) lookes better. I'm not going to drain and change anything until I have everything on hand. Not any trips planned till April.

[Chum_lee]

The lower radiator hose on the F53 V10 is an odd shaped bird for sure but it is available as an OEM replacement for substantially less than dealer price as previously mentioned. The OEM hose is still good at 15 years. Who can argue with that? Obviously the quality is there and for around $80 dollars you can replace it with like kind. If you are worried, don't mess around, why not just replace it with the factory (OEM) part. Then you KNOW you are good. IMO, use (change) the factory spec'd coolant and check the expansion tank for cracks at the same time. The expansion tanks typically crack (fail) at the rear of the tank just out of view. Mine failed at 15 years. They all do at +- that time frame. It's best to take care of it all at the same time when the system is open.

Chum lee

[carringb]

I would do the upper one for sure. It get the real heat, and does get soft after a while.

The lower hose (which is more expensive because it contains the engine oil cooler take-off loop) seems to last much longer. I'm on my original lower still with 434,000 miles.

[btcruzer]

To the one who asked if I had replaced the belt - Yes, I bought a kit on-line from Rockauto. Less expensive as a kit than individual components. A belt, a belt tensioner, and idler pulley (s). The belt was 10 inches too short, the idler was too wide ( for an 8 groove belt ) and only one was in the kit. The V10 uses two idlers. The tensioner was okay. I returned the kit for about $15 shipping. Bought the tensioner and correct length belt locally. Eventually ended up buying bearings and replacing the ones in my existing idlers.
On-line shopping is good at times. but I think I want to see this $80 hose in my hands before I pay for it. Once bitten- twice shy.

[btcruzer]

It will be far easier to replace the hoses in my shop than somewhere along the road. I aqree that 15 years is plenty and per year cost in low. Still, $80 + for a 4 ft hose is STUPID. The rad. hoses, the heater hoses, and anti-freeze will be replaced.
I actually doubt that the replacement hoses will last as long as the originals. Not that we do not have the technology to make them last, we have the technology to make them last PAST WARRANTY.

[crasster]

What I would do is get under there and if the hoses are springy and return to position and not mushy I would not change them. Period. It's just rubber with fibers going through it. Not complex. Most modern radiator fluids actually can keep hoses going longer. You said they looked to be in great shape... If they feel like they should (spring back into form and hold resistance to squishing) and they don't feel like they are weak, keep em. If it caused sticker shock return em.

[Gjac]

Are the hoses bulging? Delaminated? or cracked where the hose clamp is? Then I would replace them no matter hold old or new they are. Sometimes if there is enough slack in the hose and the are cracked on the ends you can cut an in off the ends and put the hose clamp back on.

[theoldwizard1]

First, my '98 E150 with 130,000 miles has the original radiator and front heater hoses.

The bottom hose is a Motorcraft KM4360 $89 on Amazon. $81 + shipping on Rock Auto

[Effy]

btcruzer wrote:
Correction, I DID find the hoses online. $80 for the lower assembly and $30 for the upper hose. Is that insane ? or am I? I suffer sticker shock just about daily but this is getting out of hand !

Amortize that $110 over 15 years and it's nothing. frankly I am surprised they didn't cost more.

[garyemunson]

If your engine doesn't leak oil onto them, you can probably squeak 15 years out of hoses safely. Hoses and belts have improved a lot over the years. That said, I always replace mine every 10 years. They cost more than the ones for my old Bronco but hey, I've got 10 years to save up for them. I think jersey jim's 30000 mile interval is overkill but then again, I would bet big money he's never lost a hose or belt!