Engine Cooling
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
The engine cooling system is filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B, in Canada VC-7-C) 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, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
The engine cooling system consists of the:
- Block heater (optional)
- Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor
- Fan blade
- Fan clutch
- Fan shroud
- Fan shroud with electric fan (2.3L engines)
- Radiator
- Pressure cap
- Radiator coolant recovery reservoir (3.0L and 4.0L engines)
- Degas bottle (2.3L engines)
- Water thermostat
- Water pump
- Radiator draincock
The radiator allows excess engine heat to be transferred to the air.
Radiator tanks cannot be repaired, install as an assembly.
For the 2.3L engine, the thermostat and housing must be serviced as an 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 or coolant expansion tank.
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 Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B, in Canada VC-7-C) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Do not mix coolant types.
- Do not add or mix 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, 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 WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these Ford specifications. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.
NOTE:
The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
The optional block heater:
- Electrical heating element is installed in the core plug opening.
- Uses a standard 110V electrical supply
- Keeps the engine coolant warm during cold weather.