Ford Thunderbird Manual page 230

03·03·20
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)
1 . With the engine cold, remove the pressure relief
cap or radiator cap (81 00) and inspect the filler
neck sealing gasket for foreign material between
the gasket and diaphragm. Refer to Pressure
Relief Cap Cleaning and Inspection. Rinse
pressure relief cap or radiator cap in clean water.
The pressure relief cap or radiator cap used on
this system is unique; replace only with the
proper cap.
2. On 4.6L (2V) engine disconnect lower radiator
hose (8286) from degas bottle.
3. Remove the radiator overflow hose (8075) at the
radiator connection. Disconnect electrical
connector to low coolant level warning sensor
( 1 0D968) (if equipped). Remove low coolant level
warning sensor from radiator coolant recovery
reservoir on 3.8L engines or degas bottle on 4.6L
(2V) engines. Remove radiator coolant recovery
reservoir on 3.8L engines or degas bottle on
4.6L (2V) engines from front fender apron
(1 6055) and flush with clean water.
4. Inspect the radiator overflow hose for
obstructions, cracks or cuts. Replace if
necessary.
5. Install radiator coolant recovery reservoir on
3.8L engines or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V)
engines, and connect radiator overflow hose at
the radiator connection. Replace low coolant
level warning sensor and connect electrical
connector (if equipped).
6. Replenish the engine coolant in the radiator
(8005) and radiator coolant recovery reservoir
on 3.8L engines or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V)
engines (depending upon application) as required.
7. Install the pressure relief cap or radiator cap.
A low engine coolant level in the cooling system
can cause poo r heater and defroster
performance. (Any level below the filler neck is
considered low.) If this condition exists, perform
the following:
a. With cold engine, remove pressure relief cap
or radiator cap.
b. With a 50 / 50 mixture of Premium Cooling
System Fluid E2FZ - 1 9549-AA or -B (in
Oregon, F5FZ- 1 9549-CC; in Canada,
exe-s-B), recycled coolant or equivalent
meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A
and water, fill cooling system and replace
pressure relief cap or radiator cap. Observe
the level of fluid in the radiator coolant
recovery reservoir on 3.8L engines or degas
bottle on 4.6L (2V) engine. Adjust coolant
mixture to the FULL COLD mark on the
radiator coolant recovery reservoir on 3.8L
engines or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V) engine.
c. Start the engine and run until the water
thermostat (8575) opens.
d. Shut off the engine and allow it to cool down.
This permits engine coolant to be drawn into
the radiator.
Engine Cooling
e.
Observe the level of coo l ant in the radiator
coolant recovery r
or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V) engines. The
minimum level should be as specified in Step
b. If not, adjust engine coolant level by
adding coolant mixture.
f. Check engine coolant level in radiator
coolant recovery reservoir on 3.8L engines
or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V) engines when
engine has cooled. Engine coolant level
should be to the FULL COLD mark. Add a
50 / 50 mixture of Premium Cooling System
Fluid E2FZ - 1 9549-AA or -B (in Oregon,
F5FZ-1 9549-CC; in canada, CXc-8-B),
recycled coolant or equivalent mee t ing Ford
specification ESE-M97844-A and water if
necessary. Repeat Steps c, d and e.
g. Check for leakage at the following:
• all hoses and hose connections
•
radiator seams, radiator core and
radiator draincock (8 1 1 5)
•
all cylinder block core plugs and drain
plugs
•
edges of all engine cooling system
gaskets
•
transmission oil cooler fittings
•
vehicle heating system components
•
water pump (850 1)
h. Examine oil level dipstick (6750) for
evidence of engine coolant in engine oil.
i.
Check radiator coolant recovery reservoir
on 3.8L engines or degas bottle on 4.6L (2V)
engines for evidence of oil in engine coolant
(leakage at transmission fluid cooler
(7A095)).
Install cooling system analyzer to assist in testing
the cooling system. Follow the manufacturer's
recommended connections and testing
procedures.
Coolant Condition Check
Remove pressure relief cap or radiator cap (8 1 00)
following described precautions. Check coo l ant for
dirty or rusty appearance.
If coolant does not appear dirty or rusty, check coo l ant
level and concentration as described in the following
procedures.
If coolant appears dirty or rusty, drain the cooling
system, recycle coolant using Rotunda Coolant
Recycler 1 8 1 -Q0003, flush and refill as described.
03.03·20
eserv
oir on 3.8L engines
1997 Thunderbird. Cougar July 1996