The Importance of Sound Operating Practices

Occasionally vehicles will be subjected to severe demands. Actions can be taken by an operator to minimize the effect of these demands and minimize the potential for higher fuel pressre and possible fuel expulsion. Listed below are the sound operating practices that must be followed:

^ Do not overfill the fuel tanks. Fill at maximum gas pump nozzle rate that does not create "spit back". Stop the fill of the tanks at the first shut-off of the automatic fill nozzle of the pump in order to maintain adequate vapor expansion space in the tanks. Do not fill at a slow rate as this will cause overfilling and reduce the required vapor expansion space. It is improper and dangerous to bring the fuel level into the filler neck. Remember, heated fuel both expands and products vapor at a faster rate. The vehicles should have fuel added only while on level ground, both fore-and-aft and side-to-side. The tanks can be accidentally overfilled if the vehicle is facing downhill or slanted away from the filler neck. Remember...stop filling at the first automatic shut-off of the pump nozzle.

^ It is helpful, with a dual tank vehicle, to use approximately two gallons of fuel out of each tank at the first operation following a fuel fill, particularly if the unit may be operated in a stationary state. Start with the midship tank, then switch to the rear tank. Primary operation should then be on the mid-ship tank.

^ Never remove the filler cap if a hissing sound is heard from the cap or fuel is observed to be seeping around the cap. These are signs that the cap is venting due to high pressure in the tank. Removal of the cap could cause liquid fuel to be expelled. Even if the cap is not hissing or fuel wetting is not observed, the cap should always be held firmly and be removed slowly.

^ Overly volatile (high RVP) fuels can create excessive fuel system pressure and vehicle driveability problems. To increase the likelihood of obtaining the lowest obtainable RVP (volatility rating), use only high quality fuel. Owner guides generally address permissible levels of alcohol blends that are acceptable in terms of not causing chemical damage to fuel system components. However, the guides caution that if driveability problems are encountered, use of alcohol blends should be discontinued.

^ Minimize the time spent with the engine running while the vehicle is stationary. Although high engine speed and stationary vehicle operation sometimes will be necessary, there often are circumstances where the duration can be shortened. When the vehicle is stationary, lack of the air flow through the engine compartment and under the vehicle that occurs while the vehicle is moving, results in elevated temperatures of components underneath the vehicle. Whenever possible, limit the operation of the air conditioning while the vehicle is stationary. The load of the air conditioner on the engine produces greater heat in the engine and exhaust. Remember higher fuel temperatures result in increased fuel vaporization, which can increase pressure in the tank to excessive levels.

^ Drive in moderation. Wide open throttle accelerations increase engine and exhaust system temperatures and are seldom actually required. Driving that way significantly reduces life of the vehicle powertrain. Rapid accelarations also require frequent braking in traffic and increase brake wear.

^ Avoid parking the vehicle over combustible materials, especially with the engine running.

^ Do not overload the vehicle. Both gross vehicles weight rating (GVWR) and gross axle weight rating (GAWR) should never be exceeded. A label on the driver's door pillar or door rear edge face specifies intended GVWR and GAWR. Exceeding these limits can cause damage to vehicle suspension components and taxes the powertrain and and brakes. Excessive loads also cause additional heat build-up due to the demands on the power system.

^ Do not overfill the transmission. Transmission fluid expands when heated. An overfilled transmission will overflow when subjected to heat. Fluid expelled from the transmission onto a hot exhaust system can result in an underhood fire.

^ Never shut the engine off while it is being operated at elevated speeds or is still on high idle. This can result in engine dieseling, which can cause engine damage and a backfire in the exhaust system.

^ Ford high flow fuel filler screw-on caps should be securely fastened.

^ If fuel is observed leaking from the vehicle or fuel odor is noticed inside the vehicle or driver's compartment, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized Ford dealer for service.

^ Do not disconnect the thermactor drive belt(s). Disconnecting the thermactor drive belt(s) and driving the vehicle for an extended period will damage the thermactor system, which could cause engine damage or an underhood or an underhood fire.