Cooling System: Description and Operation

Engine Cooling

NOTICE: Early build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the coolant. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: If cooling system stop leak pellets are used, Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant may darken from yellow to golden tan.

NOTE: During normal vehicle operation, Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant may change color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.

The cooling system components are:

- block heater (if equipped)
- radiator
- bypass tube
- pressure relief cap
- degas bottle
- radiator draincock
- coolant pump
- coolant temperature indicator sender unit
- thermostat housing

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. A coolant concentration of 50% will provide freeze point protection down to -36°C (-33°F).

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

- NOTICE: Early build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the coolant. Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

NOTE: If cooling system stop leak pellets are used, Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant may darken from yellow to golden tan.

Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant or Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Use the same type of coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.

- Do not add or mix different coolant types. Mixing coolants degrades the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol, 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 equipped with Motorcraft(R) Premium Gold Engine Coolant or Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.

Coolant Flow Diagram

2.5L

NOTE: Black arrows indicate hot, white arrows indicate cold.











3.0L

NOTE: Black arrows indicate hot, white arrows indicate cold.