I found mine was on backwards too. My Degas side (white trim) was on the opposite side. The radiator (rad) was o.k.
I would think if it didn't matter they wouldn't have marked them. I noticed my fluid level was up to cold mark when cold and high in the degas bottle when hot lately. After I reversed the mistake I noticed the fluid is now down to the Venturi tee line.
If it's low in the morn I will add until at the cold min line.

 

I assume the "venturi" effect of it pulls the coolant from the engine and helps to purge any air out?

 

Your correct John, The coolant runs from the vertical EGR cooler back to the degass bottle. as it flows through the venturi tee, it pulls vacuum from the radiator side this vacuum will prevent air pockets in the radiator which was what caused them to fail. Incorrect Tee installation can cause radiator failures.

 

Do you think, or have you seen, where incorrect tee installation would cause the hoses to leak?

I had my radiator replaced under the TSB. They did the venturi tee at the same time, but put it on backwards. I've since developed a leaky upper hose or thermostat housing o-ring.

 

The venturi tee will not cause the leak. You leak is a normal concern I have come across. The orignal upper rad hose was a single oring. Ford has a updated hose that has a white end on the thermostat side. This redesigned hose now has a double oring. Most of the time, the hose may not be covered by warranty. But it they do remove it and see rubbing makes on the housing, the housing would be covered and hose should be updated then and covered as casual failure to the housing.

The orignal hose



The updated hose

 

Is there a TSB or something for the hose replacement? If not how would it cost me to have the dealer fix it?

I have an early 08 truck. Maybe they'll cover it?

I have to check again, but I do not remember the white looking hose end. Is this something I can do myself or is there a special tool for the clips that hold the hose on?

 

If your out of your base warranty, it wouldn't be covered. The hose costs about $160. I use a long 8 in dental pick to removed the clip. The new hose comes with clips, so if the bend, you'll be alright.

 

What's base warranty on the hoses? 36K?

Off topic, but what is the warranty on the exhaust downpipe and DPF? I think one of them is cracked. Tailpipe has been black as hell for 27,000 miles!!!

Dealer says it's fine, but I don't think so...

 

DPF is an emissions device so that should be covered separately. I think that is 60K for emissions stuff.

 

The hose would only be covered under base warranty, yes that's 36k. Now if you find that there is wear on the thermostat housing, the thermostat housing is covered under powertrain, 100k. The DPF is emissions and it is covered to 80k. Some states may differ on emission laws so check your local dealer to be accurate. As for the soot in your exhaust. First I would make sure that you are using CJ-4 oil. Incorrect oil can cause that. Some black soot is normal but usually not past the DPF. If I was working on your vehicle, I would want to look at what the fuel system is doing. Is there any oil growth? There should be no exhaust leaks, black soot means in front of the DPF means there is a leak and you need to have the leak fixed. Both of the exhaust up-pipes have flex joint that I have replaced for leaking. Hope this info helps.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

 

I think mine is letting water into a cylinder....its compression locking but clears after hitting the key a couple of times.....How do I fix

 

refer to tsb 09-08-03