// Install guides
FULL DELETE — 18-20 POWERSTROKE 3.0L
Check your local laws on emissions equipment before proceeding. This modification may be illegal where you are, and compliance is your responsibility. Tune first. Do not remove anything until the tune is installed and verified by unplugging the EGR and throttle valve connectors and seeing no codes for them.
Tuning, exhaust replacement and EGR removal on a 2018–2020 Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke, in that order: tune first with the EZ LYNK Auto Agent and prove the tune took, then replace the exhaust from turbo to muffler, then remove the EGR cooler and fit the blocker plates. Tools: • Socket set with 8mm, 10mm and 13mm sockets • Torx bit set • 1/4" extensions and swivel sockets • Ratchets and extensions • Flat head screwdriver • Pick set • Reciprocating saw or cutting tool • Pry bar • Battery charger, 5–15 amp • Clean coolant catch container In the kit: EZ LYNK Auto Agent, EGR blocker plates with O-rings, replacement exhaust pipe section, exhaust clamps, coolant system plugs. You also need: penetrating fluid, zip ties, fresh engine coolant, brake cleaner, and optionally compressed air.
Steps
1 Connect a battery charger and find the OBD port
Set the charger to 10 amps. The OBD port is under the dashboard. Install the EZ LYNK Auto Agent app on your phone.
2 Install the tune
Plug the Auto Agent into the OBD port; it should light up. Join the Auto Agent's Wi-Fi network from your phone, open the app and follow the connection prompts, updating firmware if asked. Turn the ignition to RUN without starting the engine. Choose your tune level (25 to 120 HP options) and download and install it.
The install takes about 10 minutes. Do not disturb the vehicle while it runs.
3 Verify the tune by unplugging the EGR and throttle valve
Disconnect the EGR valve connector (red tab on the side of the engine) and the throttle valve connector under the air intake. Start the engine and confirm there are no codes for either component. If codes appear for the EGR or throttle valve, the tune did not take. Do not go further until it does.
4 Raise the truck and soak the exhaust bolts
Use a lift or ramps. Apply penetrating fluid to every exhaust bolt and connection and give it 15 to 20 minutes.
5 Disconnect the exhaust sensors, rear to front
Rear muffler area: 2 to 3 sensor connectors. Middle section: the DEF injector and its sensors. Front canister: the remaining sensors, and cut or disconnect the vacuum hose.
6 Remove the factory exhaust from turbo to muffler
Rear: loosen the clamp at the muffler and slide the sections apart. Middle: remove the 3 bolts from the triangle flange and the hanger bolts. Front: remove the 2 nuts at the turbo connection.
You may need to cut at the transmission crossmember because of interference.
7 Install the delete pipe
Fit the front pipe to the turbo with the factory bolts, hand-tight for now. Fit the rubber hanger in its original position. Slide the middle pipe over the front pipe and engage the hanger. Fit the final section to the factory muffler.
Keep at least 2 inches of overlap at every joint. Install and tighten all clamps, then check clearance from the crossmembers and heat shields.
8 Drain the coolant
The drain plug is the red plug at the front driver side. Clean around it, put a clean container under it, remove the plug and drain. Remove the coolant reservoir cap to speed it up.
9 Disconnect the battery and clear access to the EGR
Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the air intake pipe (loosen the clamps and disconnect its sensors), the engine cover, and the air filter housing.
10 Remove the EGR cooler
Remove the pipe from the EGR cooler to the intake (2 Torx bolts at each end) and install the blocker plate on the intake with its O-ring. Disconnect the coolant line from the top of the cooler. Remove the wheel for side access, then disconnect the coolant lines from the side of the cooler (2 bolts). Remove the brackets and the exhaust feed tube from the rear of the cooler.
Remove the 3 mounting bolts holding the cooler to the engine: one easy one at the front, and two difficult ones underneath that may need the steering shaft moved to reach.
11 Block off the exhaust manifold
Remove the small exhaust tube from the manifold (2 × 8mm bolts) and install the blocker plate. Make sure the brass plug in the centre of the plate is tight.
12 Seal the coolant and vacuum lines
Install the teardrop plug in the engine block coolant passage. Cap the disconnected coolant line with the supplied plug and clamp. Fold the vacuum line over and zip-tie it sealed. Zip-tie any loose wiring.
13 Reassemble
Reinstall the air filter housing and intake pipe, reconnect every electrical connector, and replace the engine cover. Reinstall the wheel and torque it to specification, typically 135 ft-lb. Reinstall the coolant drain plug.
14 Refill the coolant and check for leaks
Add fresh coolant. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and check for leaks, let it reach operating temperature, then check the coolant level and top off.
15 Test drive
Watch for leaks or anything unusual. Recheck the coolant level afterwards, and clear any remaining codes with the Auto Agent.
16 If something is wrong
Codes after tuning: confirm the EGR and throttle valve connectors are unplugged, that the tune downloaded completely, and try the tuning process again.
Exhaust clearance: adjust the pipe positions before final tightening, bend heat shields slightly if needed, and make sure the hangers are engaged.
Coolant leaks: check every plug, the O-ring placement on the blocker plates, and that the clamps are tight.
Difficult bolts: swivel sockets and extensions. Some may need partial component removal, or a professional.
For support with tuning or kit parts, use the chat in the EZ LYNK app.
17 Afterwards
Keep an eye on the coolant level for the first few weeks and check the exhaust connections now and then. Keep the Auto Agent for future adjustments, and keep every removed component in case the truck ever needs to go back to stock.