Normal Operation
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup, 2012 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2012 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2012 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 contain coolant within the cooling system and keep other fluids and contaminants from entering the cooling system.
Coolant loss can be attributed to external or internal leaks anywhere within the cooling system.
For engine specific information, refer to Engine Cooling under Description and Operation .
This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:
- Coolant hoses or tubes
- Hose clamps
- Thermostat O-ring seal or gasket
- Coolant pump O-ring seal or gasket
- Thermostat housing
- Radiator
- Transmission fluid cooler (in radiator)
- Pressure relief cap
- Coolant pump leaking from weep hole
- Heater core
- Coolant crossover manifold assembly - 6.8L engines
- Engine gaskets
- Degas bottle
- Cylinder block core plugs
- Cylinder head core plugs
- Block heater (if equipped)
- Oil cooler (If equipped)