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Home >> Ford >> 2002 >> F 150 2WD Pickup V8-4.6L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine, Cooling and Exhaust >> Cooling System >> Testing and Inspection >> Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview





Special Tool(s)

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap 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 or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, turn and remove the pressure relief cap (stiff with a cloth).

CAUTION: Check the coolant level, engine oil and transmission fluid, top off the coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil or transmission fluid, the cause must be corrected and oil fluid changed or major component damage may occur.

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.





2. Inspect to determine if any of the mechanical or electrical concerns apply.
3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.

4. 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 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-Al (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.

Inspect the coolant condition.
1 Inspect the coolant color.
- If Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant (green color) VC-4-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A has a clear, light green or blue color, this indicates higher water content than required.
- If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (yellow color) VC-7-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51. At has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates higher water content than required.
- Dark brown can indicate unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M991337-5 except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A51-AA only.
- A light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of water and engine coolant,
- An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant can indicate a trace of oil is entering the system.
- A milky brown color may indicate that either engine oil or transmission fluid is entering the cooling system. If transmission fluid is suspected, the cause may be a leaky radiator. Pressure test the cooling system. If engine oil is suspected the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine.
- If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant, the cause may be a leaky radiator. Pressure test the system.
2 If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the battery and anti-freeze tester. The freezing point should be in the range -50°F to -10°F. If the vehicle is driven in cold climates (less than -34°F), it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection.
- Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40.
- Minimum coolant concentration 40/60.
3 Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
- If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
- If the engine coolant tests weak, add straight engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels.
- If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
5. Verify the coolant system is correctly filled and bled.
6. If equipped with visctronic drive fan, refer to diagnosis of the visctronic drive fan system.
7. if the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to SYMPTOM Chart. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures
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