A few days ago I noticed a faint antifreeze smell when idling in my pickup. I looked for a leak on the driveway and couldn't pick up much at all. Fast forward to today and I notice the smell again. I get home and about an hour later notice a considerable leak on my driveway. The coolant drip continues as I type; however, I am unable to do much of a leak search as it is dark now. I have not noticed any white smoke when driving and the temp has been normal over the past few days since I first noticed the smell.

I've done a bit of research and want to find the leak myself to see if I can handle the repair. I'm having difficulty finding online diagrams to assist with checking first the usual suspects. Also, I'd appreciate any tips anyone might be willing to share. Thanks Ags.

The first thing to check are the hoses. That is the most likely culprit and the easiest to repair.

Check the 90 connection coming out of the reservoir. Notorious for leaking there.

Nothing under the reservoir from a brief check. Area around the water pump appeared to be dry but need to do a better check. I've seen some online talk about an o ring on one of the hoses that has caused a lot of failures.

The coolant hoses are quick connect that use o-rings. These wear out over time and become brittle. They're problematic during cold temps and leak coolant. I replaced mine and used this kit to fix the notorious coolant tank leak, https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=25905. Keep an eye on your coolant level until the leak is fixed. Also... while you're at it, might consider replacing the pump while you're going through the effort.

Check lines at the turbos

The hose may be 30 bucks, but it will take like 5 hours of labor to do both sides even if it is just one of the "quick disconnect" hoses. The quick connects on the turbos and on the engine block are of different thread sizes: a 21 MM socket is needed to remove the ones on the engine block, I think the other end is 3/4 inch.

It's very difficult to get a socket on the quick connect to remove and fix the rubber o-ring inside. You can look all over the F150/ford truck forums and read quite a bit about folks sagas with this pita poorly engineered piece of kit.

Quick once over earlier today points to the quick connect under the coolant reservoir. I've purchased the appropriate o-ring and will replace tomorrow. More than likely going to do the Pegasus job over the next couple of weeks.

After further review I've noticed a steady drip on the bottom side of the water pump when temp is normal. I plan to purchase a new water pump soon. Has anyone tackled this job? Either my internet skills suck or there are not any detailed water pump removal/installation guides available on the web.

If you do it yourself, you can get loner tools from O'Reilly/Autozone. They charge your card, but you get a full refund when you bring them back. I used O'Reilly s fan wrench set the last water pump I changed. I don't know anything about your particular engine though.

Just a few things I found.



https://www.f150forum.com/f38/water-pump-leak-363765/

Thanks!

About to throw in the towel but none of my local mechanics can get to this until January. I've got to sit down and plan this project so i can get to it tomorrow and a Sunday, if necessary.

I hear you, I needed glow plugs changed on my truck, couldn't get people to call me back. Ended up doing it myself.

A Haynes or Chilton manual will probably have a section on changing the water pump. I have found these to be ok for this sort of thing. They are generally in stock. The torque info, etc. is helpful. I always try to confirm the torque info somewhere online just to be safe. You can get a loner torque wrench from O'Reilly/Autozone.

Quick Google Search
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/haynes-ford-full-size-gas-f-150-2wd-4wd-04-14-haynes-repair-manual-36061/16050125-p?c3ch=PLA&c3nid=16050125-P&adtype=pla_with_promotion&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_P6lmuif3wIVQ7nACh3DXAfrEAQYASABEgJ2-fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

In the past I've used a tube of sealant to make the gasket, but if you can spend a little more to get a gasket that's the way to go. Again I have no experience with this engine though. Not all auto parts stores are the same, might ask around to see where to go. Sometimes you can find a person that knows their stuff that is a big help.

Edit
The motorcraft one on Rockauto comes with a gasket. Even if you don't buy from Rockauto it is a good resource for finding part numbers. I suggest you go with motorcraft parts.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/ford,2011,f-150,3.5l+v6+turbocharged,1447396,cooling+system,water+pump2208

Scroll down to water pump, double check i punched in the right truck.

Thanks to all who offered advice and tips. I finished this today. That's a job I'd prefer not to do again as space comes at premium. My biggest worry is that i didn't get a full burp on the coolant system.

Start truck with nose up and cap on but loose and you will get a good burp.