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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 323 (Engine Cooling) >> General Procedures >> Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding >> Draining

Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding: Draining

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: 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 Gades 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 (still with a cloth).
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: 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.
NOTE: Less than 80% of 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.
    1. Make sure the engine is cool.
    2. Wrap a thick cloth around the coolant pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir. Slowly turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until the pressure begins to release.
    3. Step back while the pressure releases.
    4. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn and remove the cap.
  2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. If equipped, disconnect the coolant return hose at the oil cooler.
  3. Open the radiator draincock (8115). Remove the cylinder drain plug, if equipped and drain the coolant from the cylinder block into a suitable container.
  4. When the coolant is drained, make sure drain plugs are installed and tight.
  5. Close the radiator draincock when finished.
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