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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1716 (Engine Cooling) >> General Procedures >> Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding >> Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS

Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Milan, 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, and 2006 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
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 distilled water. To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
  • Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. 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 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D or green colored Premium Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
  • 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 originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
  • Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. Follow your community's regulations and standards for recycling and disposing of automotive fluids.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

    2.3L 

  1. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the back of the engine water outlet.
    Fig 1: Locating Degas Bottle Cap (2.3L)
    G04681230Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    2. 3.0L 

  2. Open the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve on the upper radiator hose.
    Fig 2: Locating Degas Bottle Cap (3.0L)
    G04681231Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

    3. All vehicles 

    NOTE: Make sure the coolant flows from the radiator through the upper radiator hose and fills the engine. When full, coolant should flow from the bleed hole.
  3. Fill the degas bottle to the MAX fill line.
  4. Close the degas bottle cap and the bleed valve.
    5. CAUTION: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools.
  5. Start the engine and let it idle for 10 minutes or until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
  6. Allow the engine to cool and repeat Step  3 if necessary.
  7. Start the engine and turn the heater to the MAX position.
    8. CAUTION: If the engine overheats or the fluid level drops below the minimum fill line, shut off the engine and add fluid to the degas bottle maximum fill line once the engine cools.
  8. Run the engine at 2,500 RPM for 10 minutes.
  9. Repeat Step  8 if necessary.
    10. WARNING: Do not open the cooling system while it is hot or the engine is running. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
  10. Check the engine coolant level in degas bottle and fill as necessary.
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