Dayco 71768 Radiator Coolant Hose - Upper

Curved Radiator Hose for Ford and Mercury

Dayco 71768 is a curved radiator coolant hose made from EPDM for dependable coolant transfer in select Ford and Mercury applications. It is a single I.D. hose with 1 1/4-inch inside diameter ends and a black finish for a clean OE-style appearance.

Compatible with 1995 Ford Windstar, 1995-2000 Ford Contour, 1995-2000 Mercury Mystique, and 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, this Dayco Curved Radiator Hose is built for upper hose routing where a formed bend is required. The Dayco 71768 part number is also a useful reference when cross-shopping replacement hoses for these vehicles.

Key Features

• EPDM construction for coolant hose service
• Curved radiator hose profile for formed routing
• 1 1/4-inch inside diameter at both ends
• Black exterior for OE-style underhood appearance
• Single I.D. hose design
• Meets SAE J20R4 Class D-1 and SAE J1684 Type EC specifications

Detailed Description

Dayco 71768 is a radiator coolant hose engineered for upper cooling-system routing in select Ford and Mercury vehicles. The EPDM rubber construction is suited for coolant exposure, while the curved shape helps follow the factory hose path without unnecessary strain at the connection points. This hose is specified as a single I.D. hose with matching 1 1/4-inch ends, making it a direct-size replacement for the listed applications.

Use this Dayco radiator hose when servicing a Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique, Mercury Cougar, or Ford Windstar cooling system and you need a formed upper hose with the correct diameter and routing profile. The Dayco 71768 designation is commonly searched by buyers comparing OE-style replacement hoses for these exact models.

What This Hose Helps Address

• Coolant leaks from a cracked or aged upper radiator hose
• Softening, swelling, or collapse of the original hose
• Improper hose routing after cooling-system service
• Restricted coolant flow caused by a deteriorated hose interior
• Visible wear from heat, age, or engine-bay exposure

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify hose routing, end diameter, and position before installation. This hose is listed for upper applications on the supported Ford and Mercury models, so compare the factory routing path and connection points before removal. Inspect clamps, necks, and adjacent cooling-system components for wear or corrosion during service. Proper coolant refill and air bleeding are important after hose replacement.

Quality Assurance

Dayco 71768 is built to SAE J20R4 Class D-1 and SAE J1684 Type EC specifications, providing a standards-based replacement option for cooling-system repair. This part cross-references Ford OE numbers such as F8RZ-8260-CA and Motorcraft KM2909 for the same application.