This procedure drains, flushes, and refills the engine cooling system on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, replacing old coolant with fresh Motorcraft Orange coolant.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Drain plug washer (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Open hood and locate the coolant reservoir and degas bottle on the driver's side of the engine bay
3. Place drain pan beneath the radiator drain location on the passenger side lower corner of the radiator
4. Remove the degas bottle cap slowly to release any residual pressure

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the lower passenger side of the radiator. Open the petcock by turning counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from engine block
   Locate the engine block drain plug on the passenger side of the engine block near the oil filter. Using the appropriate socket, remove the drain plug and allow remaining coolant to drain. Inspect the drain plug washer and replace if damaged.
3. 3

   Close drain points
   Reinstall the engine block drain plug with new or inspected washer and torque to specification. Close the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Flush cooling system (optional but recommended)
   If performing a flush, fill the system with distilled water through the degas bottle until full. Start the engine and run until operating temperature is reached (thermostat opens), then turn off and allow to cool. Drain the water using the same drain points. Repeat if coolant was heavily contaminated.
   ⚠Do not run the engine for extended periods with only water as coolant. This step should take no more than 10-15 minutes of runtime.
5. 5

   Locate and prepare bleed screw
   Locate the cooling system bleed screw on top of the engine near the thermostat housing or upper coolant crossover pipe. This will be used during the refill process to remove air from the system.
6. 6

   Mix coolant to proper concentration
   In a clean container, mix Motorcraft Orange coolant with distilled water to achieve a 50/50 mixture (approximately 6.5 quarts of concentrate with 6.5 quarts of distilled water). For pre-mixed coolant, skip this step and use approximately 13 quarts of pre-mixed coolant.
7. 7

   Begin refilling cooling system
   Open the bleed screw approximately 2-3 turns. Slowly pour the coolant mixture into the degas bottle using a funnel. Continue filling until coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles.
8. 8

   Close bleed screw
   Once coolant flows cleanly from the bleed screw, close it by tightening to the specified torque. Wipe away any spilled coolant from the engine.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Complete initial fill
   Continue filling the degas bottle to the COLD MAX line marked on the bottle. Install the degas bottle cap securely.
10. 10

    Burp cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to idle. Monitor the temperature gauge and watch the degas bottle level. As the thermostat opens and air is purged, the coolant level will drop. Add coolant as needed to maintain proper level. Run the engine until the cooling fans cycle on at least once.
    ⚠Monitor for coolant leaks around the drain plug and petcock during this step. Shut off engine immediately if leaks are detected.
11. 11

    Final level check
    Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes. Carefully open the degas bottle cap and check the coolant level. Add coolant as necessary to bring level to the COLD MAX line. Reinstall the cap.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all drain points are properly closed and torqued to specification
2. Verify the degas bottle cap is installed securely
3. Clean any coolant residue from engine components and surrounding areas

Verification

• Check coolant level in degas bottle after the first cold start - should be at COLD MAX line
• Run engine to operating temperature and verify no leaks from drain plug, petcock, or bleed screw
• Verify both cooling fans activate when engine reaches operating temperature
• Monitor coolant level over the next several days and top off as needed while air continues to purge
• Use a coolant hydrometer or refractometer to verify proper freeze protection (should protect to approximately -34°F with 50/50 mix)

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