Cooling System - Proper Fluid Concentrations

Article No.
93-1-10

01/05/93

COOLING SYSTEM - PROPER FLUID CONCENTRATIONS

FORD:
1988 EXP
1988-93 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, FESTIVA, MUSTANG, TAURUS, TEMPO, THUNDERBIRD
1989-93 PROBE

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1988-89 TRACER
1988-92 MARK VII
1988-93 CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE, TOPAZ, TOWN CAR
1991-93 CAPRI, TRACER
1993 MARK VIII

MERKUR:
1988-89 XR4TI
1988-90 SCORPIO

LIGHT TRUCK:
1988-90 BRONCO II
1988-93 AEROSTAR, BRONCO, ECONOLINE, F SUPER DUTY, F-150-350 SERIES, RANGER
1991-93 EXPLORER
1993 VILLAGER

ISSUE:
It is important to confirm the coolant fluid concentration during any repair of a vehicle's cooling system. A 50/50 concentration of Ford cooling system fluid, or an equivalent solution meeting Ford specifications, and water is best for all normal operating conditions.

ACTION:
Check the coolant fluid concentration and use a 50/50 solution concentration for optimum results.

CAUTION:
IF THE CONCENTRATION IS ALLOWED TO VARY TO ANY LARGE EXTENT EITHER WAY, COOLING SYSTEM CONCERNS CAN RESULT. IF THE COOLING SYSTEM FLUID LEVEL IS BELOW THE 50/50 CONCENTRATION, OVERHEATING CAN OCCUR. CONCENTRATIONS ABOVE 50/50 CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EXCESSIVE AND EVEN PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE WATER PUMP (MORE IS NOT BETTER).

1. Obtain a balanced mixture ratio of 50/50 cooling system fluid to water. Premix the two fluids in a separate container by adding equal volumes of coolant and water.

2. Be aware that overfilling of the coolant system is just as bad as not maintaining the proper coolant concentration level. If the coolant system is overfilled, and the system is allowed to expand dropping the excess coolant past the expansion tank, many of the vital coolant additives will be lost out the overflow pipe. This reduces the protection to the engine.

3. Pour in only enough coolant as specified for the system, and top off as necessary.

NOTE:
TOP OFF ONLY WITH A PREMIXED 50/50 SOLUTION.

4. Check the coolant concentration, once the coolant system has been properly filled, to be sure that it is truly within the allowed tolerance range.

a. Use only a hand held refractometer such as a Rotunda Optical Antifreeze/Battery Tester # 021-00046 or equivalent to verify results. The acceptable coolant/water concentration range is: Minimum (45/55); Maximum (60/40).

b. If the coolant system is found to be low on coolant, top off only from a premixed solution.

c. If a weak concentration is found, add straight coolant sparingly until concentration readings are within acceptable levels.

d. If too strong a concentration is found, remove a small volume of coolant, and add water sparingly until coolant readings again fall within the specified levels.

NOTE:
MAKE SURE THE COOLANT IS THOROUGHLY MIXED BEFORE TAKING READINGS.

A cooling system is only as effective as the condition of the system coolant.

^ USE ONLY FORD COOLING SYSTEM FLUID OR AN EQUIVALENT SOLUTION MEETING FORD SPECIFICATIONS.

^ FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE APPROPRIATE VEHICLE SERVICE MANUAL OR OWNER GUIDE.

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES:
402000, 499000