Cooling System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Never remove pressure relief cap while engine is operating or when cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to cooling system or engine, or personal injury. To avoid scalding hot coolant or steam blown out of degas bottle when removing pressure relief cap, wait until engine cools, then wrap a thick cloth around pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while pressure is released from cooling system. When all pressure has been released, still using cloth, turn and remove pressure relief cap.

CAUTION: Coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If coolant is contaminated, it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (Green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (Yellow color). Always refill the cooling system with the same coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.

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 clean drinkable water.

Do not add Motorcraft Specialty Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D. 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 unless it meets the requirements of specification ESE-M97B44-A or WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these specifications. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.

NOTE: Addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from Yellow to Golden Tan.

NOTE: Less than 80 percent of coolant capacity can be recovered with engine in vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant should be drained and filled with NEW coolant.