This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the water pump on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant drainage, accessory drive belt removal, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Water pump assembly × 1 — Motorcraft PW-539 or equivalent
• Water pump gasket × 1 — Usually included with pump
• Coolant (Motorcraft Orange Coolant) × 1 — VC-7-B

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front edge, then lifting away
5. Place large drain pan under front of engine with minimum 5 gallon capacity

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the lower driver's side of the radiator. Slowly open the drain petcock counterclockwise and allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. Once drained, close petcock hand-tight.
2. 2

   Remove engine cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector located on the fan shroud. Remove the four fan assembly mounting bolts and carefully lift the fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay as a single unit. Set aside in a safe location.
3. 3

   Remove accessory drive belt
   Locate the belt tensioner on the front of the engine (passenger side near alternator). Using a serpentine belt tool or 3/8" breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the belt off the pulleys while maintaining tension, then slowly release tensioner. Remove belt from engine bay and note routing for reinstallation.
   ⚠Take a photo of belt routing before removal or refer to the belt routing diagram on the radiator support. Incorrect routing will cause immediate belt failure.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Locate the upper radiator hose connection at the thermostat housing on the front of the engine. Use hose clamp pliers or a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp, then slide it back along the hose. Twist and pull the hose off the thermostat housing connection. Allow any remaining coolant to drain.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect lower radiator hose and heater hose
   At the water pump, locate the lower radiator hose connection and the smaller heater hose connection. Loosen both hose clamps and slide them back. Twist and remove both hoses from the water pump. Place shop towels underneath to catch remaining coolant.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove water pump pulley
   With the accessory belt removed, remove the four bolts securing the water pump pulley to the water pump hub. The pulley may be held with a strap wrench or by having an assistant apply the parking brake while holding a large screwdriver against a pulley spoke. Remove pulley and set aside.
   ℹ️On some models, the pulley can be left attached and removed with the water pump as an assembly if access permits.
   Torque spec

   Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove water pump mounting bolts
   Locate the four water pump mounting bolts around the perimeter of the water pump. These bolts thread into the timing cover. Remove all four bolts completely and keep them organized. Note any differences in bolt length or position.
   Torque spec

   Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove water pump from engine
   Carefully pull the water pump straight away from the timing cover. It may require gentle prying with a plastic scraper if the gasket has sealed tightly. Once free, remove the pump from the engine bay. Remove and discard the old gasket from both the pump and timing cover surfaces.
   ⚠Do not pry between the water pump and timing cover with metal tools as this can damage the sealing surfaces on the aluminum timing cover.
9. 9

   Clean mating surfaces
   Using a plastic scraper or gasket removal tool, thoroughly clean all old gasket material from the timing cover surface where the water pump mounts. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry with no debris, old gasket material, or coolant residue. Wipe clean with a lint-free shop towel.
   ⚠Do not use abrasive pads or aggressive scraping on the aluminum timing cover surface. Scratches or gouges will cause coolant leaks.
10. 10

    Install new water pump
    Position the new gasket on the water pump (or timing cover, depending on gasket design). Align the new water pump with the mounting holes on the timing cover and carefully press it into position. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque.
    ℹ️Some replacement pumps come with gaskets pre-installed. Do not use additional gasket sealer unless specified by the pump manufacturer.
    Torque spec

    Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall water pump pulley
    Position the water pump pulley onto the water pump hub, aligning the bolt holes. Install the four pulley bolts and tighten in a torque sequence (criss-cross pattern) to specification.
    Torque spec

    Water Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect coolant hoses
    Reconnect the lower radiator hose and heater hose to the water pump fittings. Slide the hose clamps into position over the hose connections and tighten to specification. Reconnect the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing and secure with its clamp.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall accessory drive belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram. Using the belt tool or breaker bar, rotate the tensioner clockwise and slip the belt onto the final pulley (typically the tensioner pulley). Release the tensioner slowly to apply proper tension. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
14. 14

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower the fan and shroud assembly back into position, ensuring it seats properly on the mounting bosses. Install the four fan mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Reconnect the fan electrical connector.
15. 15

    Refill cooling system and bleed air
    Using a funnel, slowly refill the cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant through the radiator cap opening. Fill until coolant reaches the bottom of the filler neck. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the radiator cap off. Add coolant as needed as air purges from the system. Once the thermostat opens and coolant circulates, top off to the proper level. Install radiator cap and check coolant reservoir level, filling to the COLD FILL line.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature closely during the bleeding process. If temperature rises above normal, shut off engine immediately and allow to cool before continuing.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rear tabs and pressing down firmly on front clips until they snap into place
2. Verify all hose connections are secure and clamps are properly positioned
3. Check that accessory drive belt is properly seated on all pulleys before starting engine

Verification

• With engine at operating temperature, verify no coolant leaks are present at water pump, hoses, or connections
• Check that cooling fan activates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify coolant level is correct in both radiator and overflow reservoir after engine has cooled
• Listen for any unusual noises from the water pump or accessory drive belt during operation
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge to ensure proper cooling system operation

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