Draining and Filling

NOTE: A 50/50 mixture of Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-AA or -B, in Oregon F5FZ-19549-CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B, recycled coolant, or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A and water is required to prevent damage to the cooling system.

1. Bring engine to normal operating temperature and turn engine OFF.

WARNING: NEVER REMOVE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP UNDER ANY CONDITIONS WHILE ENGINE IS OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE COOLING SYSTEM OR ENGINE.

WARNING: TO AVOID BURNS FROM SCALDING COOLANT OR STEAM, USE EXTREME CARE WHEN REMOVING THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP.

2. Drain coolant as follows:
a. If cooling system is still hot, carefully wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and rotate slowly until pressure begins to release. Step back until the pressure is released.
b. Then rotate pressure relief cap until free. Remove the pressure relief cap.
c. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to General Information.
d. Remove splash shield from front of front sub-frame (5C145) and body.
e. Open radiator draincock and drain the coolant system.
f. Lower vehicle.
g. Remove the inlet and outlet heater water hose (18472) from the heater core (18476).

WARNING: USE EXTREME CARE WHEN USING COMPRESSED AIR. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES OR POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.

CAUTION: Do not exceed 69 kPa (10 psi) of air pressure when draining the heater core or possible damage to heater core may occur.

h. Carefully using compressed air, blow regulated 69 kPa (10 psi) of air pressure into the heater core. This makes sure that the coolant is drained from the heater core.

NOTE: Some coolant/water will be retained in the cylinder blocks (6010) if cylinder block drain plugs are not removed. When refilling coolant after flushing, adjust coolant mix ratio to obtain a 50/50 mixture. Be certain to account for approximately 1 liter (1.06 quarts) of water left in the cylinder blocks when drain plugs are not removed.

3. Fill coolant as follows:
a. Install all cooling system hoses that were removed.
b. Check all hose clamps for proper tightness.
c. Raise and support vehicle. Refer to General Information.
d. Make sure radiator draincock is closed.
e. Install splash shield onto front of front sub-frame and body. Tighten retaining screws securely.
f. Lower vehicle.

CAUTION: Use extreme care to keep coolant mixture off of the drive belt (8620) and pulleys. If needed, remove drive belt and rinse with clear water. Clean pulleys and install engine accessory drive belt. Belt squeal and early drive belt fatigue will occur otherwise.

g. Add coolant mixture into fill neck on degas bottle until coolant reaches MAX mark on degas bottle.
h. Reinstall pressure relief cap to degas bottle.
4. Bleed cooling system as follows:
a. Select maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position control to discharge air at A/C vents in instrument panel (04320).
b. Start engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at A/C vents.

CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill engine coolant.

c. Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from 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 (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
d. Shut engine off and allow to cool.
e. Check engine for coolant leaks.

NOTE: When engine coolant level indicator flashes, approximately 0.946-1.416 liter (1-1.5 qt.) of coolant mixture can be added to the degas bottle after a proper engine coolant system refill.

f. Check engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.