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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 464 (Engine Cooling System) >> General Procedures >> Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 3.0L and 4.0L >> Draining

Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 3.0L and 4.0L: Draining

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING: Never remove the radiator 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 overflow bottle when removing the radiator cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator 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, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the radiator cap. Failure to follow these instructions can result in 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.
CAUTION: Fill with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B, in Canada VC-7-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1. Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, 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. Raise and support the vehicle. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
  3. Remove the lower radiator cover.
    Fig 1: Removing Lower Radiator Cover
    G03274984Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
  5. Close the radiator draincock when finished.
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