Filling and Bleeding without RADKITPLUS

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. 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 Gades bottle.

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) 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.
Do not add/mix orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D. Mixing coolants can degrade the coolant's 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.
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 Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the Gades bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air at vents in instrument panel (04320).
Start the engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at vents.

CAUTION: If air discharge remains cool and engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, engine coolant level is low in engine and must be filled. Stop engine, allow to cool and fill cooling system.

Start engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose (8260) should feel hot to the touch.
Shut the engine off and allow to cool.
Check the engine for coolant leaks.
Check the engine coolant level in Gades bottle and fill as necessary.