Coolant: Service and Repair

WARNING:
NEVER remove the radiator cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the radiator, use extreme care when removing the radiator cap from a hot radiator. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the radiator cap and turn it slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are certain all the pressure has been released, press down on the radiator cap (with a cloth), turn, and remove.

NOTE: The system may be partially drained as required by a service procedure and then refilled and bled as described below.

DRAINING
If coolant is discolored or dirty, or if inspection reveals hoses, gaskets, or other components requiring service or replacement, the coolant must be drained and discarded, or saved for reuse depending on its condition.
G1. Remove the radiator cap, observing precautions as previously described if the system is hot and pressurized.
G2. Position a drain pan under the radiator and open the radiator draincock (8115) and drain the system.

CLEANING
Clean the cooling system by flushing with clear water. If it is excessively rusty or dirty, reverse-pressure flush or use an approved flushing system. Refer to the flushing procedures.

FILLING
Refill the system with equal parts of water and antifreeze coolant meeting Ford specifications. Use E2FZ-19549-AA or equivalent meeting specification ESE-M97B44-A. Fill to the FULL mark on the radiator coolant recovery reservoir (8A080) and install the radiator cap only to the first stop (non-pressurizing).

BLEEDING
1. Start the engine (6007) and run at fast idle only until the upper radiator hose (8260) feels warm, indicating the water thermostat has opened.
2. Stop the engine.
3. Check the coolant level in the radiator and add coolant mixture if required to restore the coolant level.
4. Install and tighten the radiator cap on the radiator, and fill the radiator coolant recovery reservoir to the FULL mark.