Just wondering at what mileage I should replace the coolant hoses on my 3.5 EB. Can't find info anywhere on the internet, except how to check them. I have 130,000 miles on my 2016 with no leaks. Water pump hose are all original, just don't want to break down one day. Thank you

Greg
2016 Crew Lariat, 3.5EB, Max tow, FX4

 

The original Hoses on my 2000 Dakota w/175k miles are still in service. Rubber products such as hoses and belts are far superior to those of the 50s &60s. Look for squishy or bulged spots. If they look good, carry on. That’s one persons opinion. FWIW.

 

I agree, rubber is superior nowadays. That said, I think if I need a waterpump, or work that required removing them, I'd replace at that point.

 

Factory hoses are very high quality and will usually last the life of the vehicle. If you don't have any bulges, cracks, softness or leaks leave them alone, the aftermarket ones won't be as good.

 

The other thing is if they go hard to the squeeze when hot and engine is not running to pressurize the system.
The space in the tank should allow the coolant to be forced back into the fill tank to allow for the squeeze's displacement check.
Good luck.

 

That's been my practice for a long time. Inspect them and look for bulges. If you have to remove an old one for some reason, replace it with a new one. Otherwise there's no reason to replace them. I did have one burst in my last F150 at about 120K miles, but it probably always had a flaw inside it out of sight. When I replaced that one, I replaced the other one with it. No damage from the burst hose; F150 engines are designed to go into a failsafe mode and be driveable for short distances with no coolant.

 

My wife's 2012 Highlander still has OEM hoses after 11 years (59,000 miles) with no sign of replacement needed.

 

Thank you for the responses, that's great to know. I guess I am looking back to when I was younger and you would replaces hoses to prevent a problem.

 

Out of about 40 fleet F150's (that don't get treated very well) I've only come across a couple that developed slow leaks at those factory molded joints around the water pump on the 5.0. Only one 3.5 and I cant remember which hose, but it was one of those molded joint connections. Same with about 15 fleet F-350's (only a couple leaks, but they have been on those molded connections. Good areas to keep an eye on when servicing. I probably wouldn't change them preemptively, but I don't think it is a bad idea if you go with Motorcraft replacements..

 

When I changed from orange to yellow coolant, I changed out the main upper and lower radiator hoses. The next time I do a flush, I will change out the other hoses.

I simply do not want to break down in the swamp.