Complete coolant system flush and refill for the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote engine, removing old coolant and replacing with fresh Motorcraft Orange coolant to maintain optimal engine temperature regulation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Lower radiator drain valve O-ring (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clips if equipped
4. Place drain pan underneath radiator drain valve location (driver side lower radiator tank)
5. Verify you have sufficient Motorcraft Orange coolant available (approximately 16 quarts total system capacity)

Procedure

1. 1

   Release cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait until all hissing stops, then remove the cap completely. Place cap aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain valve (petcock) on the driver side lower radiator tank. Position drain pan directly underneath. Turn the drain valve counterclockwise to open and allow coolant to drain completely. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes for full drainage.
   ⚠Coolant will flow quickly once valve is opened. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned and has adequate capacity.
3. 3

   Drain engine block coolant
   Locate the coolant drain plug on the driver side of the engine block near the rear. Using appropriate socket, carefully loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow all coolant to drain from the engine block into the drain pan. Inspect drain plug and washer for damage.
4. 4

   Close drain points
   Reinstall the engine block drain plug and torque to specification. Close the radiator drain valve by turning clockwise and torque to specification. Ensure the valve is seated properly but do not overtighten.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Locate cooling system bleed screw
   Find the cooling system bleed screw on the thermostat housing located on the front of the engine. This is a small brass or plastic screw typically on top of the housing. Clean area around bleed screw to prevent debris from entering system.
6. 6

   Open bleed screw and begin filling
   Open the bleed screw by turning counterclockwise approximately 2-3 turns. Using a funnel, slowly pour Motorcraft Orange coolant into the radiator fill neck. Fill slowly to allow air to escape through the bleed screw. Continue filling until coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles.
   ℹ️Filling too quickly will trap air in the system. Take your time and allow air to purge through the bleed screw.
7. 7

   Close bleed screw
   Once coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles, close the bleed screw by turning clockwise and torque to specification. Wipe away any spilled coolant from the engine.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Fill radiator to capacity
   Continue adding coolant through the radiator fill neck until the level reaches the bottom of the fill neck (coolant should be visible). Add coolant to the overflow reservoir until it reaches the COLD MAX line. Install radiator cap hand tight.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Cap1 Nm (1 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Burp cooling system
   Start the engine and allow it to idle. Set heater controls to maximum heat and fan speed. Monitor engine temperature gauge. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open (around 190-200°F) and coolant level may drop. Add coolant as necessary to maintain proper level. Run engine until cooling fans cycle on and off at least once.
   ⚠Monitor temperature gauge closely. If engine begins to overheat, shut off immediately and recheck for proper coolant level and air pockets.
10. 10

    Final coolant level adjustment
    With engine at operating temperature and cooling fans cycled, shut off engine. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap and check coolant level. Add coolant if needed to bring level to bottom of fill neck. Check overflow reservoir and adjust to COLD MAX line. Reinstall radiator cap.
    ⚠Engine will still be warm. Use caution when removing radiator cap and allow pressure to release slowly.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if equipped by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
2. Wipe down engine bay and remove any coolant residue to prevent corrosion
3. Double-check that radiator cap is properly installed and secured

Verification

• Check for coolant leaks around drain plug, drain valve, bleed screw, and all hose connections
• Verify overflow reservoir is at proper COLD MAX level
• Start engine and confirm heater produces hot air at idle
• Monitor temperature gauge during test drive to ensure engine maintains normal operating temperature (approximately 190-210°F)
• After 24-48 hours of normal driving, recheck coolant levels when cold and top off if necessary
• Use coolant hydrometer or refractometer to verify proper 50/50 mixture providing freeze protection to at least -34°F

More procedures for this vehicle