How to Fix Coolant Leaks on Your 2020 Ford F-150

How to Fix Coolant Leaks

Experiencing coolant issues with your 2020 Ford F-150 can be frustrating and potentially damaging to your engine. One owner shared a story about a similar issue: "It had coolant issues bc someone had switched the radiator and reservoir caps. He switched them back and voilá problem solved" (source). This guide will walk you through identifying, diagnosing, and fixing coolant problems in your truck, based on real owner experiences and reported issues.

Symptoms

Coolant leaks can manifest in several ways. Pay close attention to these signs, as early detection can prevent more serious damage. A common symptom is a visible coolant leak. Owners have reported seeing coolant "leaking" or "weeping" from various points in the system. This is often accompanied by a noticeable "stain" where the coolant has dried.

Another symptom is the need to frequently top off your coolant. As one owner noted: "I know I have a leak in mine because I have to top off coolant every now and then." (source). If you find yourself adding coolant more often than usual, it’s a strong indicator of a leak. Keep track of how often you need to add coolant and the amount needed to get a better sense of the severity of the leak.

Fluctuating coolant temperatures can also signal a leak. Even small air pockets introduced by a leak can cause temperature spikes. As one owner suggested: "139k miles I’d checking for small coolant leaks. Any small pocket of air will increase temps and cause fluctuation in temp" (source. Monitoring your coolant temps, especially while towing or under heavy load, can help you catch these fluctuations early. Some owners even use monitoring systems like Forscan to keep a constant eye on these temperatures. "To see the coolant temps constantly, you have to go into Forscan for that. Did that awhile back too and there's no comfort like being able to see your temps at all times." (source.

Finally, don't ignore the obvious: a visible puddle of coolant under your vehicle. Coolant typically has a distinct color (often green, orange, or yellow), making it relatively easy to identify. Check under your truck after it's been parked for a while, paying particular attention to the area around the engine.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, a common cause of coolant problems in the vehicle is a vacuum leak affecting the cooling system. A vacuum leak can disrupt the pressure within the cooling system, leading to coolant loss and temperature fluctuations. Vacuum leaks can occur in various locations, including hoses, connections, and even the coolant reservoir itself.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a coolant leak requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting all coolant hoses, connections, and the radiator for any signs of leaks, such as wet spots or dried coolant residue. Pay close attention to hose clamps and areas where hoses connect to the engine or radiator.

2. Pressure Test: A cooling system pressure tester is invaluable. Attach the tester to the coolant reservoir and pump pressure into the system. Watch the pressure gauge for any drop, which indicates a leak.

3. Check the Coolant Reservoir: Inspect the coolant reservoir for cracks or damage. Ensure the cap is sealing properly. As one owner pointed out: "It had coolant issues bc someone had switched the radiator and reservoir caps. He switched them back and voilá problem solved" (source. Make sure you have the correct cap for both the radiator and the reservoir.

4. Inspect Coolant Lines: Carefully check the full race and turbo coolant lines if your truck is equipped with them. These lines are often exposed to high temperatures and stress, making them susceptible to leaks.

5. Sniff Test: If you can't find a visible leak, try sniffing around the engine compartment after the engine has warmed up. A coolant leak often has a distinctive sweet smell.

6. Vacuum Leak Test: Use a smoke machine to introduce smoke into the vacuum system. Watch for smoke escaping from any hoses or connections. This will pinpoint the location of the vacuum leak.

7. Check Thermostat Housing: The thermostat housing is another common spot for coolant leaks. Inspect the housing and the surrounding area for any signs of coolant.

Tools Needed:

• Cooling system pressure tester
• Smoke machine (for vacuum leak testing)
• Flashlight
• Mechanic's stethoscope (optional, for pinpointing faint leak sounds)

Step-by-Step Fix

Once you've identified the source of the leak, follow these steps to fix it:

1. Safety First: Allow the engine to cool completely before starting any work on the cooling system. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.

2. Gather Supplies: Ensure you have the necessary parts, tools, and coolant.

3. Relieve Pressure: Slowly remove the coolant reservoir cap to relieve any pressure in the system.

4. Drain Coolant (If Necessary): If you need to disconnect any coolant lines, drain some of the coolant from the system. Place a drain pan under the area where you'll be working.

5. Replace Leaky Hoses or Connections: Disconnect the faulty hose or connection. Install the new hose or connection, ensuring it's properly seated and secured with new hose clamps.

6. Address Vacuum Leaks: If you found a vacuum leak, repair or replace the damaged vacuum line or component. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.

7. Replace Coolant Reservoir Cap (If Necessary): If the coolant reservoir cap is faulty, replace it with a new one. Ensure it's the correct cap for your vehicle.

8. Refill Coolant: Refill the cooling system with the proper type and amount of coolant. Refer to your owner's manual for specifications.

9. Bleed the System: Bleed any air from the cooling system. This can usually be done by opening a bleeder valve on the engine or radiator.

10. Test for Leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the repaired area.

As one owner shared: "Any suggestions on how to fix/find it easily on the 3.5 EB system? I don’t want to use that off the shelf stuff to plug it, I’ve heard it really causes problems with tight spaces in cooling systems." (source. Avoid using sealant products to plug leaks, as they can cause further problems in the long run.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Coolant (check your owner's manual for the correct type - HOAT is a common type used).
• Hose clamps
• Replacement coolant hoses (if needed)
• Coolant reservoir cap (if needed)
• Vacuum lines (if needed)
• Cooling system pressure tester
• Smoke machine
• Drain pan
• Wrenches and screwdrivers

Real Owner Costs

The cost of fixing a coolant leak can vary depending on the severity of the leak and whether you choose to do it yourself or take it to a mechanic. Here are some examples based on real owner experiences:

• DIY Repair (Simple Hose Replacement): Parts (hose, clamps, coolant): $20 - $50. Time: 1-2 hours.
• DIY Repair (Vacuum Leak Repair): Parts (vacuum line, connectors): $10 - $30. Time: 1-3 hours.
• Professional Repair (Hose Replacement): Parts: $30 - $70. Labor: $100 - $200. Total: $130 - $270.
• Professional Repair (Vacuum Leak Repair): Parts: $20 - $50. Labor: $150 - $300. Total: $170 - $350.
• Professional Repair (Thermostat Replacement): As one owner suggests "we started replacing the engine thermostat on the ford 10 speeds we work on, when coolant gets that high it also heats your transmission fluid and can lead to transmission issues" (source. Parts: $50-$100. Labor: $150-$300. Total: $200-$400

DIY repairs can save you money on labor costs, but it's important to have the necessary tools and experience. If you're not comfortable working on your vehicle, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic.

Prevention

Preventing coolant leaks involves regular maintenance and inspections. Here are some tips:

• Regularly Inspect Hoses and Connections: Check your coolant hoses and connections for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replace any damaged hoses or connections immediately.
• Maintain Proper Coolant Level: Keep your coolant level at the recommended level. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating and damage to the cooling system.
• Use the Correct Coolant Type: Use the coolant type recommended in your owner's manual. Mixing different types of coolant can cause corrosion and damage to the cooling system.
• Pressure Test the Cooling System Regularly: Have your cooling system pressure tested periodically to check for leaks.
• Check the Radiator Cap: Ensure your radiator cap is in good condition and sealing properly. A faulty radiator cap can cause coolant to leak.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Success Stories

"It had coolant issues bc someone had switched the radiator and reservoir caps. He switched them back and voilá problem solved" — brushcutterX (source)

Owner Experiences

"Reminds me of a legit street cars video where he gets a cobra for good price from the auction with engine problems. It had coolant issues bc someone had switched the radiator and reservoir caps." — brushcutterX (source)

"To see the coolant temps constantly, you have to go into Forscan for that. Did that awhile back too and there's no comfort like being able to see your temps at all times." — ResidentSquare5873 (source)

"Don't have the part number on that. Been a minute since I swapped out the original." — ResidentSquare5873 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Hey buddy I wish I could tell you more but I work at a trans shop doing R&R, we started replacing the engine thermostat on the ford 10 speeds we work on, when coolant gets that high it also heats your transmission fluid and can lead to transmission issues, i wish I knew more about what thermostat we run but it brings the temp down to about 195, basically thermostat opens sooner so fluid doesn’t have a chance to get that hot" — Colby_lee18 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a coolant leak?

A: The repair time depends on the location and severity of the leak. A simple hose replacement can take 1-2 hours, while a more complex repair, such as replacing the water pump, can take 3-5 hours.

Q: Can I drive with a coolant leak?

A: Driving with a coolant leak can cause your engine to overheat, which can lead to serious damage. It's best to avoid driving the vehicle until the leak is repaired. If you must drive it, monitor the coolant temperature gauge closely and stop immediately if the engine starts to overheat.

Q: Is this a common issue on the vehicle?

A: Coolant leaks can occur on any vehicle, but certain models or engine types may be more prone to leaks. Based on owner reports, coolant leaks are a known issue on the vehicle, particularly around hoses, connections, and the water pump.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Whether to DIY or take it to a mechanic depends on your skill level and the complexity of the repair. If you're comfortable working on your vehicle and have the necessary tools, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, if you're not comfortable or the repair is complex, it's best to take it to a qualified mechanic. Coolant system issues can affect the transmission. As one owner suggests "we started replacing the engine thermostat on the ford 10 speeds we work on, when coolant gets that high it also heats your transmission fluid and can lead to transmission issues" (source

Q: How can I tell if I have a vacuum leak affecting my coolant system?

A: Common signs include hissing noises from the engine bay, rough idling, decreased engine performance, and the presence of coolant leaks. Using a smoke machine is the most effective way to pinpoint the location of a vacuum leak.

Q: What kind of coolant should I use for my truck?

A: Consult your owner's manual for the recommended coolant type. HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant is commonly used in these vehicles. Mixing different types of coolant can cause corrosion and damage to the cooling system.