Heater Hose

[Brent Harward]

Just learned the heater hose on 2007 - 2014 5.4's is a pricey item. There are 2 hose/plastic connectors above the top right hand side of the engine. One line has a plastic "T" while the other has a plastic 30 degree splitter. It's normally the plastic "T" that fails. The entire unit, both hoses and such runs $150+. It also requires a plumbing disconnector to remove if you follow factory rules. I did a work around with a 3/4" plastic "T" from isle 3 of the auto parts store for $5. The slip connectors can be removed with side cutters saving $50 for the special unit they suggest from FoMoCo. This is s common problem after 5 yrs and 100k. "Happy Trails...., To You..."

Just learned the heater hose on 2007 - 2014 5.4's is a pricey item. There are 2 hose/plastic connectors above the top right hand side of the engine. One line has a plastic "T" while the other has a plastic 30 degree splitter. It's normally the plastic "T" that fails. The entire unit, both hoses and such runs $150+. It also requires a plumbing disconnector to remove if you follow factory rules. I did a work around with a 3/4" plastic "T" from isle 3 of the auto parts store for $5. The slip connectors can be removed with side cutters saving $50 for the special unit they suggest from FoMoCo. This is s common problem after 5 yrs and 100k. "Happy Trails...., To You..."

 

[762mm]

Funny you say that.... I just noticed bubbling sounds coming from my heater core when I started the truck cold the other day. I was like WTF is that all about?

I little research indicated air bubbles in the system and a probable pinhole leak somewhere, or a bad radiator cap. It would make sense, as I had to add about a quart of coolant after I bought the truck a month ago. The coolant appeared old though, so I figured it probably evaporated over time or something...

130,000 miles on mine. I will have to check the T connection you mention.

 

[Gary Waugh]

The T connector failed on my expo at about the 130k mileage, I bought the genuine ford part (was very expensive) but didn’t need any special tools to install it, took about 5 minutes as it has quick release connectors on 2 of the 3 ends!! Thought about making something up from parts, but decided it was the only thing to fail on my car in over 10 years so decided to use a ford part in the hope it will last another 10 years, by then I hope to get a new expedition!!

Gary

 

[mjp2]

The Dorman 626-540 replacement is cheaper than factory, has the factory connectors so it's a plug-in installation (after getting the factory stuff removed, of course), and uses metal instead of plastic for the T. I found it to be a less expensive and very easy alternative.