Cooling System Draining, Filling And Bleeding: Draining
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Never remove the pressure relief cap under any condition 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 and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap.
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:
All vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in California and Oregon, VC-7-B, in Canada, VC-7-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Always refill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE:
The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
NOTE:
Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
- Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
- Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock.
- Open the draincock and allow to drain.
- Close the draincock after draining.