How to Remove the Radiator from a 6.0 Powerstroke
by Russell WoodUpdated July 06, 2023
The 6.0 Powerstroke diesel engine used in the F-250 and F-350 Ford trucks is responsible for making sure that the transmission and the engine is cooled properly. I not working properly, the engine could overheat as could the transmission. And since the transmission in an F-250 or F-350 truck does a lot of heavy work towing, that could be a very expensive problem. To replace the radiator you first have to remove the transmission.
Things You'll Need:
- Drain pan
- Flathead screwdriver
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Fan pulley holding wrench
- Fan clutch nut wrench
- Line wrench set
1. Let the truck to cool for at least four hours
Let the truck to cool for at least four hours prior to working on the cooling system. Then pop the hood and use the flathead screwdriver to remove the front intake tubing from the engine and pull it off to the side. Unbolt the upper shroud from the engine at the same time with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
2. Place the fan pulley holding wrench just behind the cooling fan
Place the fan pulley holding wrench just behind the cooling fan, on two of the nuts that hold the pulley to the engine. Once it's on securely, you'll be able to turn the fan with the fan pulley holding wrench, indicating it's secure. Then use the fan clutch nut wrench to remove the fan from the front of the engine. Then lift it out of the engine bay.
3. Place the drain pan underneath the vehicle
Place the drain pan underneath the vehicle and open up the petcock on the base of the radiator using your hands. Allow the coolant to drain into the engine. Loosen the hose clamp on the lower radiator hose using the flathead screwdriver and then pull off the radiator hose from the radiator and pour its contents into the drain pan.
4. Loosen the upper radiator hose clamp
Loosen the upper radiator hose clamp with the flathead screwdriver and pull off the hose and pour its contents into the drain pan. Then remove the transmission cooler lines on the driver's side of the radiator using the line wrench.
5. Unbolt the radiator from the core support with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket
Unbolt the radiator from the core support with a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then lift the radiator out of the engine compartment and set it out of the way.
Video demonstrating how to replace a Ford Focus radiator:
Comments on this video:
- Thank you so much for making this. It saved me so much time and headaches. I was also able to separate the condenser and radiator in the vehicle without draining the a/c. A little more work but saves some money.
- I loosened the ac condenser lines and had a hissing noise start then spew at greenish liquid. Realized I didn’t drain the A/C condenser and tighten it up again. Should I continue and finish replacing the radiator and just have a mechanic properly drain and recharge my ac after?
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
