5.0L Gen3 Coyote Engine Complete Assembly for 2018-2020 Ford F-150

A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:

• Confirm the 8th digit of the VIN is 5.
• Verify the oil pan is black plastic (composite) with a yellow plastic drain plug.
• Locate the silver, mechanical high-pressure fuel pump on the passenger-side cylinder head near the firewall.
• Check the emissions label on the underside of the hood to ensure compatibility.

What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:

Special tools this job needs:

• Heavy-duty engine hoist and load leveler
• Ford-specific quick-disconnect tools for fuel lines
• Ford IDS, FDRS, or FORScan compatible J2534 pass-thru scan tool

Budget for these consumables at install:

• Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Oil (8.8 Quarts / 8.3 Liters)
• Motorcraft FL-500S Oil Filter
• Motorcraft Yellow Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant (approx. 13.2 Liters / 14 Quarts)
• Motorcraft SP-580 Spark Plugs (gapped to 0.049" – 0.053")
• Intake manifold gaskets
• Exhaust manifold gaskets
• Thermostat O-ring/gasket
• Fuel injector O-rings
• Torque-to-yield (TTY) fasteners (harmonic balancer bolt, flexplate/flywheel bolts)

What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:

What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn, PCM Flash/Calibration Update, PATS Security/Immobilizer Re-marriage

Requires Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Relearn to prevent code P0315. Also requires a PATS security parameter reset and module initialization using a Ford IDS/FDRS scan tool or capable equivalent to allow the vehicle to start.

Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:

• Cylinder #3 Spark Plug Wire: The high-pressure direct injection pump is mounted on the passenger-side cylinder head, making the ignition coil for cylinder #3 offset and fragile.
• Plastic Oil Pan and Drain Plug: The composite oil pan uses a fragile yellow plastic quarter-turn drain plug that is prone to leaking if reused. Always install a brand-new plug.
• Cab-Off Method: Most professional shops prefer to lift the cab off the frame to swap this engine due to extremely tight clearances at the firewall.
• VCT Phaser Damage: Ensure the engine oiling system is completely primed before the first start to avoid dry-starting the phasers.
• Transmission Spacer Plate: On 2018-2019 models, inspect and replace the engine-to-transmission spacer plate with the updated design (part # JL3Z-7007-A) to prevent bellhousing rattle.

Easy to get right once you know them:

• Ordering for a Mustang: The Mustang engine has a completely different firing order, camshafts, exhaust manifolds, wiring harness, and oil pan.
• Reusing the Intake Manifold Gaskets: Reusing old gaskets causes vacuum leaks, rough idling, and lean codes.
• Overfilling the Oil: Early dipsticks were marked incorrectly. Always measure exactly 8.8 quarts rather than blindly filling to a faulty dipstick line.
• Reusing Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Reusing the harmonic balancer bolt or flywheel/flexplate bolts can cause catastrophic engine failure.
• Skipping the Crank Relearn: Skipping this mandatory procedure leads to false misfire codes and a flashing check engine light.
• Not Budgeting for Programming: Assuming the engine is plug-and-play without factoring in the cost and time for the PATS key relearn procedure.

Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer: