Cooling System Flush - Procedure and Inspection

AFFECTED VEHICLES:
1996-1997 TAURUS AND SABLE EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L VULCAN GASOLINE AND ETHANOL ENGINES

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES - FLUSH PROCEDURE





The components shown are referenced throughout the technical instructions to facilitate the flush procedures. The picture representation and sizes are provided for your reference. For additional or replacement items, procure locally as required.

INSPECTION





1. Check for presence of coolant by-pass hose, shown in Figure 2, then continue with inspection.

2. If the engine is hot, allow it to cool, then remove coolant pressure relief cap.

CAUTION:
Do not touch colored portion of pH test strip as damage to strip may occur.

NOTE:
If coolant is too low in coolant recovery bottle, start vehicle and rev engine to a maximum 2500 RPM, to get coolant flowing into bottle.





3. Use a flexible claw tool to hold pH strip (at the end with the arrow). Dip entire pH test strip into coolant for a few seconds. See Figure 3.





4. Remove pH test strip from coolant. Compare resultant color of the center segment of the pH test strip to the 8 color segments. The closest color match indicates pH level. See Figure 4.

^ If pH reading is equal to or above 7.8 and coolant by-pass hose HAS NOT BEEN installed, proceed to "Engine Flushing -- Vehicles With pH Equal To or Above 7.8.".

^ If pH reading is equal to or above 7.8 and coolant by-pass hose HAS BEEN installed, proceed to "Engine Flushing -- Vehicles With pH Below 7.8.".

^ If pH reading is below 7.8, proceed to "Engine Flushing -- Vehicle With pH Below 7.8.".