Bushtree

My 2011 with 49K miles just developed this same issue. I noticed the smell of coolant today after parking in the driveway and upon inspection it is leaking from the QD. Right at the ring.

Is the consensus that replacing the tank solves the problem? I clearly see that just replacing the hose does not work. But is there a clear permeant fixed besides for applying RTV to the hose?

benchwarmer4203

I replaced the tank and hose...also applied the RTV that I listed. 25,000 miles later I've had no issues.

rxdavis

I just found the same leak on the connector of the coolant reservoir on my 2011 F150 5.0 L also. It is aggrevated by cold but leaking none the less. You can see where there is metal oxide residue on the lower steering knuckle where the coolant continually drips on there. I registered today so I can add to this post. I found it by doing a search of 2011 Reservoir coolant leaks. I sent a photo of the leak to the dealer here in north Texas and hoping to get an answer back. There was a recall for one of the steering joints, I am now wondering if coolant leaking is the root cause for the knuckle failure. It can't be good to have the reservoir leaking constantly onto the metal of the knuckle.

Here is where the leak is occurring.




The arrow shows the oxidation of the metal knuckle at this steering joint from the coolant dropping down onto it.

rxdavis

Took it to the dealer yesterday, 11/29 and they told me it was best to change out the hose and the tank. The Tank was $280 and the hose $35. Labor $385 $700 and some change to have it done. I could have done this myself, but time constraints due to business. I think the service was quality, but I think this quick disconnect is a reliability issue. Mine failed after 56K miles. Why the disconnect and why not just a hose and a clamp?

benchwarmer4203

Cost me about $300 for a new hose, tank, and coolant...that's doing the work myself, though. I also went ahead and changed all of the coolant. This is the only real problem I've had during the 94,000 miles I've put on the truck.

chrisdmckinzie

Looks like I've got the same problem and mine appears to be leaking where that snap ring connects. The tank seems to be dry.

Can you simply order that connector, or does it and the hose all come as one piece?

benchwarmer4203

The elbow/connector and hose is all one piece. It costs around $30. I started there; but it still didn't stop the leak...ended up replacing everything.

rxdavis

My bet is this is the reason that the dealer immediately said they had to change the hose AND the Tank. They most likely got bit on changing just one only to find out it was other. THis dealer usually shoots straight with me that is why I continue to use their service. The design is poor in my opinion. I think the disconnect here looks good on paper but it is a reliability problem. For one thing the 90 degree angle and hose will put too much stress from road vibration and shock. Either the tank cracks or the elbow seal compresses on one side. Ford should be made aware if they aren't already. My son in law bought a 2013 5.0L and it is the same way.

WSB

After replacing the the hose , removing and inspecting the tank , applying high temp silicone the drip came right back after a week
I removed and cleaned the hose and applied a semi flexible two part epoxy aircraft fuel sealant to the inside of the hose and tank fitting , after joining and securing the circlip , coated the entine assemblly and let dry overnight
so far no leaks two weeks later

chrisdmckinzie

Has Ford not come up with a resolution to this? If it's poor design, there should be a recall to fix it. We shouldn't have to "rig" this in order to get the stupid thing to stop leaking.