How do you remove a radiator hose from a Mercury Sable - Ford Taurus?

Answer 1

Hose Tips & Overview

• Most Taurus/Sables since 1996 have a cover that blocks access to the bottom of the radiator and lower hose. 7 or so small screws will get it out of the way.
  See "Related Questions" regarding radiator drain for lots of specifics
  
  
• The radiator hose clamps are likely going to be tough to get at - kinda buried or surrounded.
  See "Related Questions" below for information about a great tool to make those clamps a breeze to get at
  
  
• Stuck hoses -
• • Twisting works much better than pulling
  • If replacing the hose, use a knife to slice the hose where it sits on the outlet
  • Hose pick - a scratch-awl bent around to a u-shape - great for working up underneath the stuck end to break it loose and help 'pull'
    
    
• Clean any corrosion from outlet surfaces to improve sealing
  
  
• When replacing any hose, be sure to drain the coolantdown to below that level of the engine
• • Upper hoses & thermostats won't require much draining
  • Lower radiator hose is going to empty the entire engine of coolant
  • Drain accordingly
    
    
• REMINDER: Make sure the engine is COLD BEFORE opening the cap
  

Cooling System- Drain and Fill


Ensure that the engine is completely cool prior to starting this service.

1. Remove the recovery tank / coolant reservoir or radiator cap.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Place a drain pan of sufficient capacity under the radiator and open the petcock (drain) on the radiator.
   
   Plastic petcocks easily bind. Before opening a plastic radiator petcock, spray it with some penetrating lubricant.
   
   
4. Drain the cooling system completely.
5. Close the petcock.
6. Remove the drain pan.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Determine the capacity of the cooling system, then property refill the system with a 50/50 mixture of fresh coolant and distilled water.
   
9. Leave the recovery tank or radiator cap off to aid in bleeding the system.
10. Start the engine and allow it to idle until the thermostat opens (the upper radiator hose will become hot). The coolant level should go down, this is normal as the system bleeds the air pockets out of the system.
11. Refill the system with coolant to the proper level.
12. Turn the engine OFF and check for leaks.

The location of the lower radiator hose is NOT readily found because it is totally covered up by a plastic 'shroud'.

It's also the reason why so many people can't find the radiator drain plug / petcock.

See "Related Questions" below for lots of detailed information, and helpful tips on getting the hose and drain plug.

• Drain coolant from radiator
• Release hose clamps from both ends of hose
• Remove existing hose
• Route new hose to connect to water outlets
• Replace clamps
• Re-fill coolant slowly to prevent an air lock
• Start engine and look for leaks
• Run engine to normal operating temperature with heater on
• Re-check coolant level