Engine Cooling

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

CAUTION: 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 fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.

NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M99B37-5 (except as noted in ES-F65E-19A511-AA) darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

The cooling system components are the:

engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT sensor) (12A648)
fan blade (8600)
fan shroud (8146)
radiator (8005)
pressure relief cap (8100)
degas bottle (8A080)
radiator draincock (8115)
water pump (8501)
water temperature indicator sender unit (10884)
water thermostat (8575)
dual speed fan motor
resistor assembly

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 in the degas bottle.

When adding engine coolant, use a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and clean, drinkable water.

To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:

Add 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), or Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant VC-7-A or equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Do not mix coolant types.
Do not add/mix orange-colored 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 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 unless it meets the requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A or WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these Ford specifications. Use of such a coolant may harm the engine and cooling system components. Do not mix coolant types.