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Cooling System Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
ITEM SPECIFICATION

Item Specification
Motorcraft Premium Cooling System Flush VC-1 ESR-M14P7-A

    All vehicles 

    WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or 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 personal injury.
  1. Drain the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .
  2. Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine 

  3. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat.
    Fig 1: Removing Bolts, Thermostat Housing Cover And Thermostat With Torque Specifications (4.0L SOHC)
    G03948359Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (2V) engine 

  5. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat.
    Fig 2: Removing Bolts, Thermostat Housing Cover And Thermostat With Torque Specifications (4.6L (2V))
    G03948360Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. All vehicles 

  7. Install the thermostat housing cover without the thermostat.
  8. Using a suitable cooling system flushing tool, flush the engine and radiator.
    • Use cooling system flush.
  9. Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine 

    NOTE: Prior to installing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing cover gasket and install a new gasket if necessary.
    Fig 3: Installing Thermostat, Gasket And Thermostat Housing Cover With Torque Specifications (4.0L SOHC)
    G03948359Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  10. Install the thermostat, gasket and thermostat housing cover.
  11. Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (2V) engine 

    NOTE: Prior to installing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing cover gasket and install a new gasket if necessary.
    Fig 4: Installing Thermostat, Gasket And Thermostat Housing Cover With Torque Specifications (4.6L (2V))
    G03948360Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  12. Install the thermostat, gasket and thermostat housing cover.
  13. All vehicles 

  14. Fill and bleed the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .