Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Performance Radiator hoses

In the almost 100 degree heat last week, the 'tour blew the upper radiator hose. At the suggestion of my mechanic, I had them change the lower at the same time. Little did I know that the lower hose was a $72 part that looks like a Gonkulator, and that they would have to lift the motor to do the job!

Now I'm looking at a $300 bill for two fricking hoses!

Any other Zetec'ers with similar experience?

And since there's no more off-topic, why does this new place call me SmCD; at the old place I was SMcD? Weird!

Thanks for the tip. Guess I won't be changing that lower hose till I see green pouring out!

In reply to:

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Now I'm looking at a $300 bill for two fricking hoses!

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Thats insane. There has got to be a way to change it without lifting the engine. Hopefully someone on this site can help you out.

Moving the P/S pump out of the way will let you get access to the top of the lower hose. It was a big PITA when I did mine last year. IIRC, I paid $50, but I had an employee discount at the auto parts store. Seems a bit high, but when you consider parts and labor together, it was probably about right.

It is a weird looking hose, isn't it? Looks like a giant spider!

I just replaced the lower myself this past Saturday.. $55.00 From Pep Boys. Pain in the A$$ to get to the CDlamp though.. Had to remove the Torque Axis,Power Steering Pump, Exhaust Manifold Heat Sheild, Serpentine belt and then had to find a pair of Pliers small enough to sqeeze in there to releaser the clamp... Not hard just tedious... If I could have afforded the Stealership to do the work would have but decided after seeing a $55.00 Lower Radiator Hose I took it as a sign the Stealership should not be trusted to do the work..

Looks like a heart valve... I plan on writing ford and telling them I don't appreciate every repair being over $200.00... Oh well Life goes on.. The Price we pay for our tours...

Originally posted by contourd:

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find a pair of Pliers small enough to sqeeze in there to releaser the clamp...

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Thats why there is now a normal screw type hose clamp holding on my hoses. I hate stock style clamps!