Dealer Letter
December, 1995To: All Ford and Lincoln-Mercury Dealers
Subject:
Owner Notification Program 95B77 - Certain 1989-1994 Tempo and Topaz Cars Equipped With 2.3L HSC Engines For Modification of Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System
OASIS
Yes
Owner List
Yes
Parts Return
No
Program Timing
Affected vehicles are eligible for this program through July 31, 1996 regardless of mileage. (After July 31, 1996, a vehicle is eligible for this program if it is still within basic vehicle warranty).
Affected Vehicles
Certain 1989 model Tempo and Topaz cars equipped with 2.3L HSC Engines built from 5131189 at Kansas City and 6122189 at Oakville through the end of the 1989 model year and all 1990 through 1994 Tempo and Topaz cars equipped with 2.3L HSC engines that are currently registered in the following states: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan (upper peninsula), New York, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Reason For This Program
On some of these cars, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system may freeze causing the crankcase to pressurize which could force oil out of the crankcase through the dipstick tube or past some other gasket or seal of the engine. This condition can occur during extended periods of highway travel at extremely low ambient temperatures (-10F or lower). This combination of climatic and driving conditions is expected to occur only under unusual circumstances in those states listed above. Engine damage could result.
Service Action
To correct this condition, dealers will install an improved coolant heated PCV system to reduce the likelihood of PCV freeze-up.
If an owner whose vehicle is not listed in OASIS believes his/her vehicle should have been included, or this condition is observed in a vehicle not covered by this action, dealers are to contact their regional office for approval and submit the claim under this program to obtain reimbursement.
Questions?
Claims Information 1-800-423-8851
Other Recall Questions 1-800-325-5621
Attachments
Attachment II
^ Labor Allowances
^ Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III
^ Technical Information
Special Notice - Helpful Hints
The following hints are provided for dealer technicians installing the modification kit specified in Owner Notification Program Bulletin 95B77. Following these hints will save time and make kit installation easier. We recommend you file this notice with your 95B77 bulletin for future reference.
Heater Hose Removal
1. On severely rusted "post" type clamps, it is usually quicker to cut the clamps instead of trying to remove them with a wrench. Use end or diagonal type pliers.
2. On vehicles that have constant tension type clamps, use "flat band" clamp pliers to assist in removal. Use of other type pliers distorts this type of clamp making removal more time consuming.
3. Heater hoses that are stuck to the heater core or block tubes should not be twisted loose with the aid of "Channel Locks" or pliers. To remove these hoses, make a length-wise cut in the end of the hose using a sharp utility knife. Then, using your hands, twist the hose to break it loose from the fitting.
CAUTION
While making the lengthwise cut in the hose, be careful not to cut or damage the block or heater tubes.
4. Using air type wrenches increases the risk of breaking clamps. Hand tools are recommended but if you are going to use an air wrench the following suggestions are offered:
^ Apply penetrating oil to the clamps prior to attempted removal.
^ Loosen clamps with hand tools before using air wrench.
^ Use lowest speed and moderate low torque setting on your air wrench.
Purging Air
The Tempo/Topaz shop manual does not describe procedures for purging air entrapped in the system when refilling the cooling system. However, to assist in purging air from the system, leave one heater hose disconnected during the initial fill of the system. Coolant level must be properly adjusted after the engine is brought up to full operating temperature.