Gates 23668 Radiator Coolant Hose - Upper

Gates 23668 Molded Coolant Hose Overview

The Gates 23668 molded coolant hose is a direct-fit radiator coolant hose for select Ford, Lincoln applications. Built with EPDM and plastic, it follows OE-style routing with a molded branch to match the factory cooling system layout.

Compatible with 2010-2019 Ford Flex upper, 2010-2019 Ford Taurus upper, 2010-2019 Lincoln MKT upper, and 2010-2016 Lincoln MKS upper, this hose is shaped for the specific engine bay path used on those vehicles.

Key Features

• Gates Molded Coolant Hose line for application-specific cooling system replacement
• Part number 23668
• EPDM and plastic construction
• Molded design with one branch for OE-style hose routing
• End 1 inside diameter: 31 mm (1.23 in)
• End 2 inside diameter: 37 mm (1.47 in)
• End 3 inside diameter: 0.35 in
• Centerline length: 576 mm (22.6875 in)
• No spring and no quick-connect fittings

Product Details

Gates builds this modular coolant hose for vehicles that use integrated cooling-system components in the factory hose assembly. The molded branch layout helps preserve the original hose path and connection points, making it a practical replacement for the upper radiator coolant hose on Ford Flex, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKT, and Lincoln MKS models listed above. The Gates 23668 is also cross-referenced to Dayco 72681 for the same application.

Common Cooling System Issues It Can Address

• Cracked or split upper radiator hose
• Coolant seepage at a molded hose section
• Heat-related hose hardening or swelling
• Loss of factory hose routing after replacement
• Fitment problems with non-molded universal hose repairs

Installation Notes

Verify the vehicle year, make, model, and upper hose routing before installation. Confirm the hose end diameters and molded branch orientation match the original part on the Ford Flex, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKT, or Lincoln MKS. Drain coolant as needed, inspect adjoining fittings and clamps, and replace any worn sealing surfaces before reassembly.

Quality Assurance

Gates is a recognized aftermarket supplier in modular coolant hose assemblies, and this hose is manufactured to application-specific dimensions with OE-style integrated features where required by the vehicle design.