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Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
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 Coolant VC-7-A 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.
CAUTION: If there is engine coolant in the engine oil the cause must be corrected and the oil changed or engine damage may occur.
CAUTION: If there is coolant in the transmission fluid, the cause must be corrected and the transmission fluid changed or transmission 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 following mechanical or electrical concerns apply.

    VISUAL INSPECTION CHART 

    Fig 1: Engine Cooling Visual Inspection Chart
    G01537981Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.
  4. Inspect the coolant condition.
    1. Inspect the coolant color:
      • If Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (green color) 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 VC-7-A (yellow color) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates higher water content than required.
      • Dark brown could indicate unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B37-B5 except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A511-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 Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant or Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant.
      • An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      • 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. For additional information, refer to COMPONENT TESTS . If engine oil is suspected, the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      • If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant, the cause may be a leaky radiator. Pressure test the system. For additional information, refer to the COMPONENT TESTS .
    2. If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the special tool. 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 is 40/60.
    3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
      • If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
      • If the engine coolant tests too 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. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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