Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and BleedingDraining
WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to the cooling system or engine, or result in personal injury. To avoid having scalding coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, never remove 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, use the cloth to 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: Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan
NOTE: About 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement
l. 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
3.0L (4V)
l. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock
l Open the draincock and allow to drain
2 Close the radiator draincock when finished
2.0L Zetec
l. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock
l Open the draincock and allow to drain
2 Close the radiator draincock when finished
Filling-Bleeding
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 clean, drinkable water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
^ Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). 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. Mixing coolants can degrade the coolant's protection.
^ Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
^ Do not mix with recycled coolant unless it meets the requirements of Ford specifications ESE-M97B44-A or WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these Ford specifications. Use of such coolants can harm the engine and cooling system components. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
1. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks
2. Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings Position the control to discharge air at vents in instrument panel.
3. Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling feel for hot air at vents.
4. CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system.
Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch
5. Shut the engine off and allow to cool
6. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
7. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary