Engine Cooling: Notes
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Flex. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Early build vehicle (built before January 19, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle (built on or after January 19, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant. Mixing coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the coolant. Do not mix coolant types. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine or cooling system damage.
NOTE:
Stop-leak style pellets/products must not be used as an additive in this engine cooling system. The addition of stop-leak style pellets/products can clog or damage the cooling system, resulting in degraded cooling system performance and/or failure.
The cooling system components are the:
- block heater (if equipped).
- radiator.
- bypass tube.
- pressure relief cap.
- degas bottle.
- radiator draincock.
- coolant pump.
- engine coolant temperature indicator unit.
- thermostat (cold side).
- variable speed fan motor assembly.
- Fan Control (FC) module.
- engine block coolant weep hole.
The engine is equipped with an engine block coolant weep hole. If the inner coolant pump shaft seal fails, coolant will be diverted out the weep hole in the LH side of the engine block. This prevents any coolant from entering the crankcase.
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 distilled water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
- add the correct coolant type to the engine cooling system. Early build vehicle (built before January 19, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Premium Gold Engine Coolant. Late build vehicle (built on or after January 19, 2009) cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant. Mixing different coolant types degrades the corrosion protection of the original coolant. Do not mix any type of coolants.
- 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.
- Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine coolant in vehicles.