Coolant hoses leaking... should I replace them myself or look for deeper issues?

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You could totally replace the hose yourself. What’s the make and model of your car?

Tallis said:
You could totally replace the hose yourself. What’s the make and model of your car?

It’s a 2016 Ford Mustang Ecoboost. Been watching some videos online, and it seems pretty straightforward. I’m just nervous about ordering the wrong part.

@Finlo
Ah, got it. The 2.3 Ecoboost engines are known for having some coolant-related issues over time. If you notice coolant loss with no visible leaks after replacing the hose, it might mean the engine is burning coolant—usually in cylinders 2 and 3. White smoke could be a clue, especially if it smells sweet. Have you noticed any rough starts or misfire codes like P0316? If so, that could mean something more serious like a head gasket issue.

@Finlo
From the looks of it, the leak might be coming from the nipple that connects the hose to the expansion tank. Have you checked that spot closely?

You might want to test the pressure in your cooling system. Harbor Freight sells inexpensive radiator pressure testers, or you can rent one from auto stores like AutoZone. If the pressure is fine (usually between 8-14 psi, no higher than 16), replacing the hoses should do the trick. But if the pressure spikes when you rev the engine, it could mean a head gasket issue. Testing first could save you from just patching a bigger problem.

This might be a bigger problem… could it be a blown engine?

Jalen said:
This might be a bigger problem… could it be a blown engine?

I really hope not! I looked it up and it sounds scary.

Looks like the hoses have some buildup on them, which could cause small leaks over time. I’d suggest replacing them soon and doing a coolant flush while you’re at it.

Mai said:
Looks like the hoses have some buildup on them, which could cause small leaks over time. I’d suggest replacing them soon and doing a coolant flush while you’re at it.

Thanks! I’ll put that on my to-do list.

Try replacing the clamps with screw-style ones. They’re usually more reliable. That might fix the issue without needing to swap the whole hose.

It’s possible the nipple where the hose attaches is cracked, and trying to remove the hose might make it worse. If the hose itself is the issue and there’s enough slack, you could cut off the damaged section and re-clamp it.

You could cut the hose just behind the clamp and reattach it. That might do the trick without needing a full replacement.