Coolant Hoses - When to Change?

[sailsmen]

When should the coolant hoses on the MM be changed?

I have 66K and 3.5 years on them.

[Larry Durham]

When should the coolant hoses on the MM be changed?

I have 66K and 3.5 years on them.

My 95 Conti. is 10.5 Yrs.old and 190k miles and the hoses are original. First coolant change last fall. I wouldn't worry about it just yet.

[ahess77]

My general rule on hoses is about 5 years for vehicles that I drive long distance. If you're driving around town and routinely keep an eye on them, you'll probably see a problem before it becomes a problem (bulges, cracks, coolant seepage or smell, etc.)

[JACook]

When my first Windstar hit 100K miles, I decided I would change out all the coolant hoses. As I removed them,
it occurred to me I could have used that $100 for something more worthwhile. The old ones were still like new.

Factory hoses these days will just about outlast the engine. (Not so for the aftermarket replacements...)

Hoses generally give plenty of warning before they blow, you just have to be looking for the signs. A hose that
bulges at the fitting, or one that crackles when you squeeze it, is fixin to blow. Usually, the first hoses to show
signs of deterioration will be the outlet hose to the radiator, the bypass hose, and the hot-side heater hose.
These hoses see the hottest coolant, and that's why you'll see hose problems there first. On the MM, these will
be the three hoses up top that connect to the coolant crossover tube. As long as they are still pliable, and not
bulging, leave 'em alone.

And when it is time to replace them, go with factory Motorcraft, and stick with the factory spring clamps. Unlike
worm clamps, the factory spring clamps self regulate the tension on the connection. As long as they aren't all
buggered up, I reuse 'em.

The aftermarket hoses are cheaper for a reason, and that reason isn't just about lining Billy Ford's pockets. The
factory hoses will last longer than aftermarket, with the possible exception of the Goodyear "Hi Miler" EPDM hoses.
Those just about last forever. And they're blue. :)

They also cost about as much as the factory ones...

[SergntMac]

Here's Zack answer..."When they leak."

[ts-pa]

Mine appear to be fine on the outside. My coolant was very dark when I had it flushed last and the hoses are getting soft. I have 85K miles and six years on the original hoses. I did not replace them while at the dealer as they said it was about $250 for just the lower hose.

When replacing these hoses, which of the brands the best choice?
Goodyear, Gates, Motorcraft? Please suggest others if any come to mind that are worthwhile.

[jgc61sr2002]

When replacing these hoses, which of the brands the best choice?
Goodyear, Gates, Motorcraft? Please suggest others if any come to mind that are worthwhile.


I would use the Motorcraft brand.

[Bigdogjim]

Well I have already replaced all of mine at 25,000 miles.

It is way cheaper than a breakdown, plus having some shop out of town work on your car?

Overkill but. always road ready.

[Fourth Horseman]

Well I have already replaced all of mine at 25,000 miles.

It is way cheaper than a breakdown, plus having some shop out of town work on your car?

Overkill but. always road ready.

How much did the complete hose set cost you? I'm assuming this includes heater hoses as well, right?

[TooManyFords]

I replace them when they start looking weather-checked. You know, dried out and can see what looks like little stress cracks in them. If they look old, then they ARE old and you should replace them.

As much as I like Zack, if his are leaking then he is probably on the side of the road or the 1320 and needing a tow! (lol!) Regardless, if he calls I'll still come and get him. (what friends are for)

:D

John

[David Morton]

Here's an ASE Master Tech correct answer for your ASE Cooling systems test, when they're bad and that happens before they leak.

Here's how you can tell on sight, if there's wetness at the connections or oil of any kind on them or obvious cracks, they're bad.

Squeeze the hose. If it makes a crackling noise or is hard, it's bad. Hoses have two layers, an inner and outer layer, and often the inner layer goes bad before the outer layer, the inner layer becomes hard and cracks too. That's the sound you're hearing.

Hoses last longer if you keep fresh coolant inside them and if you keep the outside of them free of oil or grease. Painting them helps protect them from oil but seems to age the rubber making it harder and more susceptible to cracking.

If you're going to replace them, use silicone hoses. They come in blue or green. They last a very long time.

[Shora]

If you're going to replace them, use silicone hoses. They come in blue or green. They last a very long time.

Are those the ones that CVPIs come with?
What brand is the best and where is the best place to buy them?

[Bigdogjim]

Here's an ASE Master Tech correct answer for your ASE Cooling systems test, when they're bad and that happens before they leak.

A good text book answer. Problem is most people will not go to the trouble to check the hose. I would guess a fair numbers of members on this board will check, in the real world just change them every two years. Yes it cost MONEY to do it. Still cheaper than a tow job and your not stuck in the middle of someplace?

My .02 cents.

Fire away:flamer:

[Fourth Horseman]

Guess I'll have to call Ray and see what the price is on these from Ford, since nobody seems to want to share a number on what they paid. :rolleyes:

[David Morton]

Guess I'll have to call Ray and see what the price is on these from Ford, since nobody seems to want to share a number on what they paid. :rolleyes:I haven't done mine yet and don't even know if a supplier is available that has sized them up for us, so I don't know. I plan to get them when I need them, and may have to just go to a parts store with the old ones and size them up from their stock, you know, cut to size, etc.

Mine are still good, I think because I keep a clean engine compartment and drain and fill my coolant every year. Matter of fact I've been trained to do good cooling system service practice and have seen cars and buses with hoses five years old and still nice and pliable. Can't say enough about keeping things clean, inside and out.

[Drock96Marquis]

Are those the ones that CVPIs come with?
What brand is the best and where is the best place to buy them?


The silicone hoses on the CVPI are optional, and only available in a baby-blue color. They will typically last the life of the engine, and are noticably thicker in diameter.