Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and BleedingSpecial 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, Oregon and New Mexico VC-7-B, in Canada CVC-7-A) (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 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 percent of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. 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.
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.
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 community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE: The addition of 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.
2.3L
1. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the back of the engine water outlet.
3.0L
2. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the upper radiator hose.
All vehicles
3. NOTE: Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine. When full, coolant should flow from the bleed hole.
Fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
4. Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
5. CAUTION: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools.
Start the engine and let idle for 10 minutes or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
6. Repeat Step 5 if necessary.
7. Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
8. CAUTION: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools.
Run the engine at 2500 rpm for 10 minutes.
9. Repeat Step 8 if necessary.
10. WARNING: Do not open the cooling system while it is hot or the engine is running. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.