Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 3.0L, 4.0L
Draining
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.
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. Contaminated coolant may damage cooling system components
CAUTION: Fill with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types. Incorrect coolant may damage cooling system components.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
NOTE: Less than 80% of the coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the radiator cap one half to one turn counterclockwise to the first stop on the filler neck. When the pressure has been released, remove the radiator cap.
2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
3. Remove the bolts and the air deflector.
4. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
5. Close the radiator draincock when finished.
^ Tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-inch).
Filling and Bleeding with RADKITPLUS
1. Using the special tool, install the RADKITPLUS and follow the RADKITPLUS manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
Filling 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. 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: Incorrect coolant or coolant mixtures may damage cooling system components.
^ Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Use the same type coolant that was drained from the cooling system. Do not mix coolant types.
^ Do not add Motorcraft Specialty Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion 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 recycled coolant. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
1. Install the air deflector and the bolts.
^ Tighten to 15 Nm (11 lb-ft).
2. Fill the overflow bottle with the correct engine coolant mixture.
3. Install the radiator cap.
4. Move the temperature blend selector to the full warm position.
5. WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine. A damaged fan can separate during operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
6. Add the correct coolant mixture to the overflow bottle until the coolant level is between the COOLANT FILL LEVEL marks.
7. Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool. Recheck the coolant level and fill the cooling system to the FULL mark on the overflow bottle.
8. WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine. A damaged fan can separate during operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Repeat Steps 3 through 8 until the reservoir level is OK.
Bleeding without RADKITPLUS
1. Bleed the cooling system as follows:
^ Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air from the A/C vents in the instrument panel.
^ WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine. A damaged fan can separate during operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Start the engine and allow it to idle. While the engine is idling, feel for hot air from the A/C vents.
^ CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and fill the cooling system. Operating the engine with low coolant level may cause engine or cooling system component damage.
Start the engine and allow it to idle until the normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the A/C 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.
^ Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
^ Check the engine for coolant leaks.
^ Check the engine coolant level in the overflow bottle and fill it as necessary.