1987 Cooling System-Service
1987
27-01-4 Cooling System-Service 27-01-4
CONDITION POSSIBLE SOURCE ACTION
Loss of coolant ^ Pressure cap and gasket. ^ Inspect, wash gasket and test. Replace only if cap will not hold pressure test specification.
^ Leakage. ^ Pressure test system.
^ External leakage. ^ Inspect hose, hose connection, radiator, edges of cooling system gaskets, core plugs and drain plugs, transmission oil cooler lines, water pump, heater system components. Service or replace as required.
^ Radiator filler leak. ^ Inspect radiator filler neck sealing surface for damage or foreign material.
^ Internal leakage. ^ Check engine oil and transmission oil dipsticks for signs of coolant. Check coolant for signs of transmission oil.
^ Check torque of head bolts, lighten if necessary.
^ Disassemble engine as necessary -check for cracked intake manifold, blown head gaskets, leak at water crossover intake manifold gasket, warped head or block gasket surfaces, cracked cylinder head or engine block.
Engine overheats ^ Low coolant level. ^ Fill as required. Check for coolant loss.
^ Excessive rust in coolant. ^ Flush system, refill with new coolant.
^ Loose fan bell. ^ Adjust.
^ Pressure cap. ^ Test. Replace it necessary.
^ Radiator or A/C condenser ^ Remove bugs, leaves, etc.
obstruction.
^ Closed thermostat. ^ Test, replace if necessary.
^ Fan drive clutch. ^ Test, replace if necessary.
^ Ignition. ^ Check timing and advance. Adjust as required.
^ Temp gauge or cold light. ^ Check electrical circuits and service as required.
(False reading) Refer to Body, Chassis, Electrical Manual, Group 33.
^ Engine. ^ Check water pump, block for blockage.
^ 2.3L (Mustang/Thunderbird) - only ^ Check for air pockets trapped in cooling system (see coolant refill procedure)
^ Exhaust system. ^ Check for restrictions.
Engine fails to reach normal ^ Open thermostat. ^ Test, replace if necessary.
operating temperature
^ Temperature gauge or cold light ^ Check electrical circuits and service as required,
(False Reading). Refer to electrical section.
^ Low coolant level. ^ Fill cooling system, as required.
Revised 8/88 CQ1531-H
1987
27-01-7 Cooling System-Service
27-01-7
4. Adjust the strobe light to 2000 rpm.
WARNING: TO AVOID THE POSSIBILILY OF PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DO NOT OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE HOOD OPEN UNTIL THE FAN HAS BEEN FIRST EXAMINED FOR POSSIBLE CRACKS AND SEPARATION.
5. Start the engine and adjust it until the water pump pulley is synchronized with the strobe light. This will be near the engine testing speed given in the specifications.
6. Synchronize the timing light with the marked fan to clutch attaching bolts.
7. The fan speed must meet or exceed the specified maximum fan test speed at 2000 water pump rpm.
8. If the fan speed was less than the specified fan test speed, replace the fan drive clutch.
CLEANING AND INSPECTION
Coolant Replacement
1. Bring engine to normal operating temperature and turn engine off. With cooling system under pressure, inspect cooling system hoses and clamped hose connections for leaks, excessive deterioration, or contact wear. Inspect radiator installation retention. Note any discrepancies, and proceed.
2. Drain coolant as follows:
a. Never remove radiator or cooling system 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.
b. To avoid burns from scalding coolant or steam, use extreme care when removing the radiator cap. Switch the engine off and wait until cool. If radiator is still hot, carefully wrap a thick cloth around the cap and rotate slowly to the first stop. Step back until the pressure is released, then press down on the cap and rotate until free. Remove the cap.
c. Open radiator draincock and remove tile cylinder block drain plug(s) to drain the coolant system.
d. Disconnect overflow hose from radiator filler neck connection. Remove coolant recovery reservoir from fender apron and empty fluid. Flush reservoir with clean water, drain and reinstall reservoir and strap (if so equipped) and overflow hose and clamp to radiator filler neck.
e. Correct/service/replace any components found to be malfunctioning in Step 1.
Cleaning To remove rust, sludge and other foreign material from the cooling system, use an appropriate cooling system flush such as Ford Cooling System Fast Flush D6AZ- 19A503-A (ESR-M14P7-A) or equivalent. Removal of such material restores cooling efficiency and avoids overheating. Always remove the thermostat prior to pressure flushing. A pulsating or reversed direction flow of flushing water will loosen sediment more quickly than a steady flow in the normal direction of coolant flow. In severe cases where cleaning Revised 8/88
solvents will not properly clean the cooling system for efficient operation, it will be necessary to use the pressure flushing method. Various types of flushing equipment are available.
Coolant Refill
1. Refill engine cooling system as follows:
a. Close radiator draincock and install cylinder block drain plug(s).
b. When refilling the cooling system, use equal parts of water and coolant as follows:
Coolant Specification: Use only a permanenttype coolant that meets Ford Specification ESE-M97B44-A such as Ford Cooling System Fluid E2FZ-19549-A or equivalent. Freeze protection may also be checked by using either a Rotunda Optical Antifreeze/ Battery Tester 021-00046 or equivalent, or a Hydrometer. A 50/50 mix of coolant concentrate and water will provide approximately -37~C (-35~F) protection, and provide the necessary anti-corrosion protection.
2.3L (Mustang/Thunderbird) - only
c. Disconnect heater hose at the water outlet connection on the thermostat housing.
d. Fill radiator until coolant is visible at the connection in the thermostat housing or the coolant level in the radiator reaches the radiator cap filler neck seat.
e. Install heater hose and tighten hose clamps to 1.36-2.03 N-m (12-18 lbs.in.)
Refill the radiator to approximately 0 to 5 cm (0 to 2 inches) below the filler neck seat.
2. Operate engine until thermostat opens and the radiator upper hose becomes hot.
3. Stop the engine and add coolant up to the filler neck seat.
4. Install radiator cap.
5. Add a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water to the FULL HOT mark on the coolant reservoir, to provide adequate cooling system fill. Install reservoir cap, if so equipped.
Heater Core Backflushing All engine cooling system flushing and backflushing procedures must include a separate backflushing of the heater or A/C system heater core, after the flushing or backflushing of the engine cooling system, to prevent engine cooling system particles from clogging the heater core tubes and reducing (or eliminating) coolant flow through the heater core. The heater core must be backflushed separately from the engine cooling system for proper backflush water flow direction through the heater core. The correct heater core backflushing procedure is as follows: