2019 Ford F-150 Coolant Flush — 5.0L Coyote and 2.7L EcoBoost

I flushed the coolant on my 2019 F-150 5.0L at 100,000 miles. Ford specifies the first coolant change at 100k miles, then every 50,000 after that. The 5.0L Coyote and 2.7L EcoBoost both use Ford's VC-13 orange OAT coolant — get this right and the rest of the job is simple. Here's exactly how I do it.

Engine Options and Coolant Compatibility

Engine	Coolant Spec
2.7L EcoBoost (V6 twin-turbo)	Ford VC-13 orange OAT
3.3L Ti-VCT V6	Ford VC-13 orange OAT
5.0L Coyote V8	Ford VC-13 orange OAT
3.5L EcoBoost (high-output)	Ford VC-13 orange OAT
3.0L Power Stroke diesel	Ford VC-13 orange OAT

All 2019 F-150 engines use the same Ford VC-13 (HOAT, orange) coolant.

Do not substitute: Generic green conventional, pink Toyota SLLC, or GM Dex-Cool are not compatible with Ford VC-13 and will cause aluminum corrosion.

Coolant Specs

Item	Spec
Coolant type	Ford VC-13 (HOAT orange)
Ford part number	VC-13-G (gallon)
Aftermarket equivalent	Motorcraft Orange VC-13G (OEM brand), Zerex G-05
System capacity — 5.0L Coyote	~16.7 qt (15.8L)
System capacity — 2.7L EcoBoost	~14.5 qt (13.7L)
Mixing ratio	50/50 coolant/distilled water
First change interval	100,000 miles or 10 years
Subsequent interval	Every 50,000 miles or 5 years
Petcock torque	Hand-tight only (plastic — no wrench)

Tools & Materials

• Ford VC-13 orange coolant 50/50 premix (2 gallons)
• Large drain pan (2+ gallon)
• Flathead screwdriver (petcock)
• Funnel with long neck
• Coolant tester (optional)
• Shop rags

Step-by-Step

1. Let the Engine Cool Completely

Wait 2+ hours. The aluminum EcoBoost and Coyote blocks hold heat longer than older cast-iron blocks.

2. Remove the Surge Tank Cap

The 2019 F-150 uses a pressurized surge tank on the passenger side of the engine bay. Remove cap by pressing and turning counterclockwise. Small hiss from residual pressure is normal even when cold.

3. Open the Drain Petcock

Radiator drain petcock is at the bottom driver's side corner of the radiator. Rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Drain fully — 10–15 minutes.

You'll drain approximately 7–8 quarts from the 5.0L. Remaining coolant stays in the engine block, heater core, and hoses.

4. Flush with Distilled Water (Optional)

For a more complete exchange:

1. Close petcock hand-tight
2. Add 4 quarts of distilled water through surge tank
3. Replace cap, start engine, run to operating temperature
4. Let cool completely, drain again

Skip for routine 50k-mile interval service with clean coolant.

5. Close the Drain

Close petcock hand-tight only — plastic petcocks crack with wrench torque. If it leaks after hand-tightening, replace the petcock O-ring or petcock assembly.

6. Fill with Ford VC-13

Pour Ford VC-13 orange 50/50 slowly into the surge tank. Fill toward MAX cold line.

• 5.0L Coyote: Add approximately 7–8 quarts after single gravity drain
• 2.7L EcoBoost: Add approximately 6–7 quarts

7. Bleed the Cooling System

The F-150 uses a pressurized surge tank that handles air purging:

1. Fill to MAX cold line on surge tank
2. Leave cap off (or on loosely)
3. Start engine
4. Set heater to maximum heat, fan on high
5. Let idle until thermostat opens — temp gauge rises to normal
6. Add coolant to surge tank as level drops while air purges
7. Once upper radiator hose gets hot, level stabilizes
8. Replace surge tank cap securely
9. Check level after first cool-down — top off if below MIN

8. Test Drive and Final Check

Drive 15–20 minutes. Temperature gauge should hold steady. After the first cool-down, check surge tank level again.

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong coolant color. The 2019 F-150 uses orange Ford VC-13. Do NOT use green conventional or Motorcraft Premium Gold (yellow) from earlier F-150 generations.

2. Overtightening the plastic petcock. Hand-tight only. Overtightening cracks the petcock and can crack the lower radiator tank. If it leaks, replace the O-ring — don't add torque.

3. Skipping the surge tank bleed. The F-150 surge tank self-bleeds, but only if you run the engine with heater on max and allow thermostat to fully open. Skipping leaves an air pocket that causes temp gauge spikes.

4. Using tap water in the mix. Aluminum 5.0L Coyote and EcoBoost heads are sensitive to mineral deposits. Always use distilled water in the mix.

EcoBoost Intercooler Note

The 2.7L EcoBoost has a charge air cooler with its own separate coolant circuit using the same VC-13 but as a low-temperature loop. The intercooler has its own small reservoir on the driver's side. Check and top off this secondary reservoir as well during cooling system service on the 2.7L.

Cost Comparison

	DIY	Ford Dealer / Shop
Ford VC-13 coolant (2 gallons)	$30–$50	—
Labor	$0	$150–$250
Total	$30–$50	$180–$300

Saving $130–$250 for a 1-hour job.

For more F-150 maintenance, see the 2017 Ford F-150 spark plug replacement guide. Browse all 28+ procedures at OwnerDrop.

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