radiator cap FORD F250 1997 Owners Manual

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Engine Coolant
[MC11750(FM)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
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Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
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[MC11850(FM)05/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
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[MC11950(FM)01/96]
Adding engine coolant
[MC12000(F )04/96]
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Adding engine coolant
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Adding engine coolant
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RWARNING
Do not put engine coolant in the container
for the windshield washer fluid.
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If sprayed to clean the glass, engine coolant or
antifreeze could make it difficult to see through
the windshield.
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[MC12400(FM)05/96]
RWARNING
Never remove the coolant recovery cap
while the engine is running or hot.
[MC12450(FM)04/96]
RWARNING
Follow these steps to minimize risk of
personal injury.
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[MC12500(FM)05/96]
1. Before you remove the radiator cap, turn the
engine off and let it cool. Even when the
engine is cool, be careful when you remove
the radiator cap.
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2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth
around the cap and turn it slowly
counterclockwise to the first stop.
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3. Step back while the pressure releases.
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4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
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[MC13250(FM)04/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
[MC13300(FM)04/96]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
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[MC13350(FM)04/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
[MC13400(FM)01/96]
Checking hoses
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[MC13450(FM)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
[MC13500(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant drain and flush
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To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
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[MC13600(FM)01/96]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressurize the engine cooling system by
covering the radiator cap with a thick cloth
and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the
first stop. Step back while the pressure
releases.
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2. Remove the cap.
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3. Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the
bottom of the radiator.
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4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
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5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
[MC13900(FM)04/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theTruck Service Manual.
[MC13950(FM)01/96]
Engine coolant refill procedure
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After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
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1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
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[MC14100(FM)01/96]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
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[MC14150(FM)01/96]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
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[MC14200(FM)01/96]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
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[MC14250(FM)01/96]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
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[MC14300(FM)01/96]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
File:11ltmcf.ex
Update:Tue May 28 08:52:04 1996
ProCarManuals.com