Cooling System: Description and Operation
Engine CoolingThe engine cooling system consists of the:
^ block heater
^ Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor
^ fan blade
^ fan clutch
^ fan shroud
^ electro-drive fan module (2.3L)
^ radiator
^ radiator cap
^ radiator coolant recovery reservoir (2.5L, 3.0L and 4.0L engines)
^ degas bottle (2.3L)
^ degas bottle cap (2.3L)
^ water thermostat
^ water pump
^ water temperature indicator sender unit
^ radiator draincock
^ oil filter adapter
The radiator allows excess engine heat to be transferred to the air.
Radiator tanks cannot be repaired, install as an assembly.
For the 2.3L engine, the thermostat and housing must be serviced as an assembly.
Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level in the degas bottle.
When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and clean, drinkable water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
^ Add Motorcraft Premium Engine coolant VC-4-A (CXC-10 in Canada, VC-5 in Oregon) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
^ Do not add orange-colored extended life coolant VC-2.or equivalent, meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
^ Do not add alcohol or methanol or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
^ Do not mix with recycled coolant unless it meets the requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A. Not all coolant recycling processes meet this Ford specification; use of such a coolant may harm the engine and cooling system components.
The water temperature indicator sender unit provides a signal to the temperature gauge.
The optional block heater:
^ electrical heating element is installed in the core plug opening.
- uses a standard 110V electrical supply
^ keeps the engine coolant warm during cold weather.