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Call or Text (352) 722-5295Intercooler and piping on the 2018-2021 Ford 3.0L Power Stroke
The 3.0L Power Stroke makes 250 hp and 440 lb-ft with a single variable-geometry turbo. Compressing air heats it, and the charge-air cooler takes that heat back out before the air reaches the engine. On the F-150 diesel the cooler is air-to-air and sits behind the radiator shutters. Ford said its shutter and viscous fan package moves much more air across the radiator and intercooler in extreme conditions. Charge tubes carry the air from the turbo to the cooler and from the cooler to the intake. For the rest of the engine, see our Power Stroke hub.
What fails and why
Our research found no intercooler, charge-pipe or MAF failure pattern for 2018-2021 trucks in Ford, NHTSA or forum sources. That doesn't mean a coupler lasts forever, only that there's no known weak spot to warn you about. If you're chasing low boost, rule out the documented issue first: a restricted air filter, which shows up as restricted MAF readings, reduced boost and soot. Then have the boost side inspected before you buy parts.
Stock replacement vs. upgrade
For most trucks the factory cooler is fine, and the job on this page is replacing a coupler that's damaged or one you disturbed during other work. On the upgrade side, bar-and-plate intercoolers have been listed for 2018-2020 trucks; one uses a 3.5-inch-thick core that its maker says outflows the factory cooler by up to 21 percent. We don't stock a full intercooler core on this page, and owners of 2021 trucks should note that listing stops at 2020.
What we carry
This page carries the Pacific Performance Engineering 515303088 3-inch silicone hump coupler. The hump section gives the joint some room to flex between the tube and the part it connects to.
Fitment notes
The PPE coupler is listed by size, not by truck, so measure the outside diameter of the tubes on both sides of the joint before you order a 3-inch part. The 3.0L was sold only in the F-150, and the 2021 truck is a new 14th-generation body with the diesel carried over unchanged, so confirm which side of 2020 your truck is on when you shop cooler parts. Use the fitment checker, or verify by VIN.
Frequently asked questions
Is the intercooler a known problem on the F-150 3.0L diesel?
Not that we could find. Our research turned up no intercooler, charge-pipe or MAF failure pattern for 2018-2021 trucks in Ford, NHTSA or forum sources. Check the air filter and get a proper diagnosis before replacing cooler parts.
Where is the intercooler on the 3.0L Power Stroke?
At the front of the truck, behind the radiator shutters. It's an air-to-air unit, and Ford says the shutters and viscous fan move much more air across the radiator and intercooler in extreme conditions.
Will the PPE 3-inch coupler fit my truck?
It's listed by size, so it fits where the tube ends measure 3 inches. Measure both sides of the joint before ordering. If you'd rather not guess, call the shop for fitment help.
Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.