Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Draining
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Vehicle Jacking and Lifting.
2. WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: 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. Using contaminated coolant may result in damage to the engine or cooling system components.
NOTICE: The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the original coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
NOTE: The addition of stop leak pellets darkens engine coolant.
NOTE: Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
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 drain valve.
- Open the radiator drain valve and allow the coolant to drain.
- Close the radiator drain valve.
Filling and Bleeding with RADIATOR REFILLER
1. Install the RADIATOR REFILLER and follow the manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: 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.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft(R) Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the original coolant. Do not mix coolant types.
- 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.
- Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow the community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE: The addition of stop leak pellets darkens engine coolant.
1. Fill the degas bottle to the max level mark.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.
2. Install the degas bottle pressure relief cap.
3. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level in the degas bottle drops below the MAX fill line, allow the engine to cool. Once engine is cool, add coolant to the degas bottle to the MAX fill line. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.
Start the engine, run and hold at 2,500 rpm for approximately 8 minutes until the thermostat opens, then for another 3 minutes after the thermostat opens.
4. Increase the engine speed briefly to 4,000 rpm and hold for approximately 5 seconds.
5. NOTICE: If the engine overheats or the fluid level in the degas bottle drops below the MAX fill line, allow the engine to cool. Once engine is cool, add coolant to the degas bottle to the MAX fill line. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.
Return the engine speed to 2,500 rpm and hold for another 3 minutes.
6. Shut the engine OFF and allow to cool.
7. Check the engine for any leaks.
8. Check the coolant level in the degas bottle and fill to the MAX fill line as necessary.
- Recommended coolant concentration is 50/50 ethylene glycol to distilled water.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.
- Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60 for warm weather areas.