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Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.5 L, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 983 (Engine Cooling System -- F150 Pickup) >> Diagnosis And Testing >> Engine Cooling >> Inspection and Verification

Inspection and Verification

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. 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 degas 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). Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
CAUTION: Check the coolant level, engine oil and transmission fluid, top off the coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil or transmission fluid, the cause must be corrected and oil/fluid changed or major component 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

    Mechanical Electrical
    • Leaks
    • Hoses
    • Hose clamps
    • Thermostat gasket
    • Head gaskets
    • Intake manifold gasket
    • Coolant pump
    • Radiator
    • Degas bottle
    • Heater core
    • Fan/fan clutch
    • Water crossover
    • Water outlet tube
    • Water crossover joint
    • Heater return tube
    • Cylinder head temperature sensor (CHT)
    • Circuitry
    • Vehicle speed sensor (VSS)
  3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair as necessary.
    4. CAUTION: The cooling system is filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in California, Oregon or New Mexico VC-7-B, in Canada CVC-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.
    NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
  4. Inspect the coolant condition.
    1. Inspect the coolant color.
      • If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant (yellow color) VC-7-A (in California, Oregon and New Mexico VC-7-B, in Canada CVC-7-A) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates higher water content than required.
      • Dark brown can indicate that an unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6 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 distilled water and engine coolant.
      • An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant can indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. 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 internal transmission cooler. 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. Refer to ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION .
      • If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant, the cause may be a leaky internal transmission cooler. 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 battery and anti-freeze tester. 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 40/60.
    3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary:
      • If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only.
      • If the engine coolant tests 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 distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
  5. Verify the coolant system is correctly filled and bled. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
  6. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to SYMPTOM CHART .
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