Normal Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The engine cooling system is a closed system that provides for coolant expansion and contraction and also changes in pressure as coolant warms and cools with engine operation. Various gaskets, seals, hoses and clamps are used to contain coolant within the cooling system and keep other fluids and contaminants from entering the cooling system.
Coolant loss can be attributed to either external or internal leaks anywhere within the cooling system.
For the coolant flow diagrams, refer to ENGINE COOLING in the Description and Operation portion.
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Coolant hoses or tubes
- Hose clamps
- Quick connect couplings
- Thermostat gasket
- Coolant pump gasket
- Coolant outlet connector
- Radiator
- Pressure relief cap
- Coolant pump leaking from weep hole
- Heater core
- Coolant crossover manifold assembly
- Engine gaskets (may leak internally or externally)
- Oil cooler (may leak internally or externally)
- Degas bottle
- Cylinder block core plugs
- Cylinder head core plugs
- Block heater (if equipped)
- Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor - primary cooling system
- EGR cooler