Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding
Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 2.3L
Partial Drain
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: 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. Contaminated coolant may damage cooling system components.
NOTICE: The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always refill the cooling system with the same type coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types. Incorrect coolant may damage cooling system components.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets 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. Remove the degas bottle cap.
2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
3. Close the radiator draincock when finished draining.
- Tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-in).
Complete Drain
WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: 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. Contaminated coolant may damage cooling system components.
NOTICE: The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always refill the cooling system with the same type coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types. Incorrect coolant may damage cooling system components.
NOTE: The addition of Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets 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. Remove the degas bottle cap.
2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
3. Close the radiator draincock when finished.
- Tighten to 2 Nm (18 lb-in).
4. Place a suitable container below the radiator lower hose and disconnect the hose from the thermostat housing.
Filling and Bleeding with RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: All air must be removed from the cooling system. Failure to remove all the air from the cooling system may result in engine damage.
NOTE: Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level. When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and engine coolant. To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add orange-colored Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol or brine, or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
- Do not mix with recycled coolant. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
1. Using the RADIATOR REFILLER, follow the manufacturer's instructions to fill and bleed the cooling system.
Filling and Bleeding without RADIATOR REFILLER
NOTICE: Engine coolant provides freeze protection, boil protection, cooling efficiency and corrosion protection to the engine and cooling components. In order to obtain these protections, the engine coolant must be maintained at the correct concentration and fluid level. When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water. Incorrect coolant or coolant mixtures may damage cooling system components.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Use the same type coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant. Mixing coolants may degrade the coolant's corrosion protection.
- Do not add alcohol, methanol, brine or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
- Do not mix recycled coolant. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
Filling and bleeding procedure for use with partial drain
1. Make sure the radiator draincock is completely closed.
2. Fill the system through the degas bottle cap to 15 mm (0.590 in) above the maximum fill level.
3. Install the degas bottle cap.
4. WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine. A damaged fan can separate during operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Start the engine and hold at 2,500 rpm engine speed for approximately 8 minutes until the thermostat opens.
5. Maintain 2,500 rpm engine speed for an additional 3 minutes.
6. Increase engine speed to 4,000 rpm and hold for 5 seconds.
7. Return engine speed to 2,500 rpm and hold for an additional 3 minutes.
8. Stop the engine and check for leaks.
Filling and bleeding procedure for use with complete drain
9. Install the radiator lower hose and close the radiator draincock.
10. Fill the system through the degas bottle cap to the maximum fill level.
11. WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine. A damaged fan can separate during operation. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.
Start the engine and run for approximately 10 seconds at 2,500 rpm to prime the heater circuit then turn the engine off.
12. Top off the coolant level to 15 mm (0.6 in) above the max fill level.
13. Install the degas bottle cap.
14. Start the engine and hold at 2,500 rpm engine speed for approximately 8 minutes until the thermostat opens.
15. Maintain 2,500 rpm engine speed for an additional 3 minutes.
16. Increase engine speed to 4,000 rpm and hold for 5 seconds.
17. Return engine speed to 2,500 rpm and hold for an additional 3 minutes.
18. Repeat the previous 2 steps.
19. Stop the engine and check for leaks.
20. Verify correct fluid level after engine cools for 20 minutes. Top off the degas bottle to MAX line.