Ford technician and YouTube repair channel host Brian Makuloco knows his way around the F-150. One of the most common problems of this truck concerns the Coyote V8 that Ford introduced for the 2011 model year, specifically a coolant leak originating from the T-connector.
Even though Ford has redesigned the cooling system for the 2021 model year, some F-150 pickup trucks from the fourteenth generation still feature the faulty component. Makuloco explains how to repair the issue over the course of 25 minutes, and the good news is that you can also do it yourself.
After removing the radiator cap, you should let the system vent while the V8 powerplant is cold. After draining the yellow coolant, a plethora of parts has to be removed to change the T-connector, and the upper radiator hose should be replaced or gifted with a new O-ring to stop the leak. The final step is very straightforward: topping the engine off with coolant.
An experienced guy like Makuloco needs half an hour to get the job done, half an hour that could be costly at your local dealership. As for the parts used in this do-it-yourself video, the list starts with the $37.95 Ford Genuine Parts T-Connector. The Motorcraft-branded seal for the upper radiator hose costs $9.54 on Amazon, and prediluted antifreeze doesn’t cost much either.
It may not be perfect, but the Coyote is preferred by many dealer technicians over the 2.7- and 3.5-liter EcoBoost. The reasons the free-breathing V8 stands out are reliability and the unmistakable sound of eight cylinders. By comparison, the force-fed V6 powerplants are known for misfire codes, huge stress for the oil that lubricates the timing chain, and oil pan leaks.
Regardless of the lump in your F-150, the pickup comes with a five-year/60,000-mile (96,561-kilometer) powertrain warranty that covers the motor, transmission, axle shafts, drive shafts, bearings, and all that jazz.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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