Draining, Filling and Bleeding Cooling System
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Special Tool(s)
Material
Draining
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any condition while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap.
CAUTION: 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.
CAUTION: All vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in California and Oregon VC-7-B, in Canada VC-7-C) (yellow color). Always refill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
NOTE: Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
2. Remove the splash shields.
3. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock.
^ Open the draincock and allow to drain.
^ Close the draincock after draining.
4. When the coolant is drained, make sure drain plugs are installed and tight.
5. Install the splash shields.
Filling and Bleeding with RADKITPLUS
1. Using the special tool, install the RADKITPLUS and follow the manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS
CAUTION: 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 distilled water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
^ Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
^ Do not add/mix orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or green colored Premium 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.
^ Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
^ Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow your communities regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
1. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
2. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at vents in the instrument panel.
3. Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at vents.
4. 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 cooling system.
Start the engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from 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.
5. Shut the engine OFF and allow to cool.
6. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
7. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.