Engine Cooling: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Always fill the cooling system with the manufacturer's specified coolant. If a non-specified coolant has been used the cooling system must be chemically flushed. Refer to COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHING . Failure to follow these instructions may damage the engine or cooling system.

The cooling system components include the following:

Block heater (mounted in the LH side at the rear of the engine block for 6.2L engines and the RH side at the rear of the engine block for 6.8L engines)
Cooling fan blade
Electric cooling fan clutch - 6.2L engines
Mechanical cooling fan clutch - 6.8L engines
Cooling fan shroud
Radiator
Degas bottle
Pressure relief cap
Radiator draincock
Coolant pump
Coolant thermostat
Oil filter adapter
Upper radiator hose
Lower radiator hose
Degas bottle supply hose
Heater core
Heater hoses

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 48/52 to 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water (freeze protection -34°C to -37°C [-30°F to -34°F]). If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -37°C (-34°F), it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection. Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40 for cold weather areas.

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

NOTE: With the engine cold, fill vehicles to within the cold fill range shown on the degas bottle. This fill level will allow for coolant expansion. Overfilling the degas bottle may result in damage to the pressure cap, which can cause the engine to overheat.

Add Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent. Do not mix coolant types.
Do not add/mix any other engine coolant. 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 with recycled coolant. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components. Do not mix coolant types.