Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Draining
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated, it must be recycled or disposed of correctly. The use of contaminated coolant may damage the cooling system.
NOTICE: All vehicles are filled with Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
NOTE: Less than 80 percent of the coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. Make sure the engine is cool.
2. Wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until the pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn and remove the cap.
5. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
- Tighten the radiator draincock when finished.
Filling and Bleeding with RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: All air must be removed from the cooling system. Failure to remove all the air from the cooling system may result in engine damage.
NOTICE: Turn the radiator cap clockwise until it stops (approximately 135 degrees). Failure to tighten the radiator cap may result in engine damage.
NOTE: 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. To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Add Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add orange-colored Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, 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. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
1. Connect the RADIATOR REFILLER body and the appropriate rubber adapter to the radiator.
2. Follow the RADIATOR REFILLER manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: All air must be removed from the cooling system. Failure to remove all the air from the cooling system may result in engine damage.
NOTICE: Turn the radiator cap clockwise until it stops (approximately 135 degrees). Failure to tighten the radiator cap may result in engine damage.
NOTE: 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. To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Add Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add orange-colored Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, 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. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
4.6L (3V) engine
1. Remove the thermostat. For additional information, refer to Thermostat - 4.6L (3V) Service and Repair.
2. Disconnect the heater hose and insert the end of the heater hose into a suitable container.
3. Fill the engine through the thermostat housing until coolant flows from the heater hose.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
4. Connect the heater hose.
5. Install the thermostat. For additional information, refer to Thermostat - 4.6L (3V) Service and Repair.
All engines
6. Fill the radiator through the radiator filler neck until the coolant level is at the bottom of the filler neck.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
7. Install the radiator cap.
8. Fill the coolant expansion tank until the coolant reaches the COLD FILL mark.
9. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air from the A/C vents.
10. NOTICE: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and fill the cooling system. Failure to follow this instruction may result in damage to the engine.
Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
11. Turn the engine off and allow the engine to cool.
12. Add more coolant mixture to the coolant expansion tank until the coolant level is at the COLD FILL mark.
13. Start the engine and allow it to idle. While the engine is idling, feel for hot air from the A/C vents.
- Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
14. Check the engine coolant level in the coolant expansion tank and fill it as necessary.
15. Repeat previous 5 steps as necessary.