This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the engine oil cooler on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including coolant drainage, component removal, and system refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil cooler assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil cooler O-rings/gaskets × 1 — Usually included with cooler
• Coolant hose clamps (if damaged) × 2 — OEM replacement

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 3 qt
• Motorcraft 0W-20 Full Synthetic — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clip points
4. Place large drain pan under vehicle front center section
5. Raise vehicle on lift or jack stands if additional clearance needed for drain access

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine coolant
   Locate the coolant drain plug on the lower radiator tank or use the drain petcock on the radiator. Position drain pan underneath and open drain to allow coolant to drain into container. If using petcock, turn counterclockwise to open.
   ⚠Even when cool, residual coolant may be warm. Wear gloves and eye protection.
   Torque spec

   Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

   Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector. Remove the fan mounting bolts securing the fan shroud to the radiator. Carefully lift the fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay. Set aside in safe location.
   Torque spec

   Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect coolant hoses from oil cooler
   Locate the engine oil cooler assembly mounted on the driver's side of the engine block. Use hose clamp pliers to compress and slide back the hose clamps on the coolant inlet and outlet hoses connected to the oil cooler. Twist hoses gently to break seal, then pull off the cooler fittings. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove oil cooler mounting fasteners
   Identify all mounting bolts securing the oil cooler housing to the engine block. On the 3.5L EcoBoost, these are typically located around the perimeter of the cooler housing. Remove all housing bolts using appropriate socket and extension. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Housing Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove oil cooler assembly
   Carefully pull the oil cooler assembly away from the engine block. There will be engine oil and residual coolant present. Use plastic pry tool if needed to break gasket seal, being careful not to damage sealing surfaces on engine block. Allow fluids to drain into catch pan.
   ⚠Oil and coolant will drain from cooler upon removal. Have adequate drain pans positioned.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all gasket material and residue from the engine block mounting surface using plastic scraper. Inspect block mating surface for damage, scratches, or deep grooves. Clean oil passages with shop towel to remove any debris. Wipe surfaces clean with solvent and lint-free cloth.
   ℹ️Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces as this can cause damage and leaks.
7. 7

   Prepare new oil cooler
   Unpack new oil cooler assembly and verify all O-rings and gaskets are present. Install new O-rings onto oil cooler ports if not pre-installed. Lightly lubricate O-rings with clean engine oil to aid installation and prevent tearing. Verify gasket is properly positioned in cooler housing groove.
   ℹ️Do not reuse old O-rings or gaskets. Always install new seals with replacement cooler.
8. 8

   Install oil cooler assembly
   Carefully align the new oil cooler assembly with the mounting holes on the engine block. Ensure O-rings remain in position and are not pinched. Press cooler firmly into place, ensuring full contact with block surface. Start all housing bolts by hand before tightening any bolts.
   Torque spec

   Housing Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect coolant hoses
   Push coolant inlet and outlet hoses firmly onto oil cooler fittings until fully seated. Slide hose clamps into position over hose ends, approximately 1/4 inch from hose end. Tighten clamps using hose clamp pliers or appropriate tool. Verify hoses are secure.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Lower cooling fan and shroud assembly back into position on radiator mounting points. Align mounting holes and install fan bolts. Tighten bolts to specification. Reconnect cooling fan electrical connector and verify connection is secure.
    Torque spec

    Fan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Refill cooling system
    Close radiator drain plug or petcock to specified torque. Fill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant through radiator cap opening or coolant reservoir using funnel. Fill until coolant level reaches cold fill line on reservoir. Install radiator cap.
    Torque spec

    Coolant Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Drain Petcock8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed cooling system and check oil level
    Start engine and allow to idle with heater on maximum heat setting. Monitor temperature gauge. As thermostat opens and air purges, coolant level will drop - add coolant as needed to maintain proper level. Run engine until cooling fan cycles on. Check engine oil level on dipstick and top off if necessary due to oil loss during cooler removal.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature closely during bleeding process. Shut down immediately if overheating occurs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until seated
2. Reconnect negative battery terminal
3. Lower vehicle if raised

Verification

• With engine at operating temperature, inspect oil cooler mounting area and all coolant hose connections for leaks
• Check coolant level in reservoir when cold and top off if needed to cold fill line
• Verify engine oil level is within normal range on dipstick
• Inspect coolant in reservoir for oil contamination (milky appearance) and oil on dipstick for coolant contamination
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge for normal operation
• Recheck all connections and fluid levels after first 50 miles of operation

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