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Engine Cooling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford RV Cutaway, 2002 Ford Econoline, 2002 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2002 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2002 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Fig 1: Cooling System Components, Gasoline and NGV
G03404848Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig 2: Cooling System-Natural Gas Bi-Fuel
G03404849Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Fig 3: Cooling System-Liquid Propane Gas Bi-Fuel
G03404850Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
CAUTION: Some vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color). Others are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant VC-7-A 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.

Walter C. Avrea, the owner of patents 3,601,181 and RE 27,965, has granted Ford Motor Company rights with respect to cooling systems covered by these patents.

The cooling system components are the:

The radiator allows excess engine heat to be transferred to the air.

The water pump circulates the coolant.

The water thermostat:

The degas bottle:

The fan blade draws air through the radiator to help cool the engine coolant.

The fan clutch is a thermostatically controlled clutch that controls the fan blade.

The engine coolant flows:

A closed water thermostat returns the engine coolant to the water pump; an open water thermostat allows the engine coolant to flow to the radiator.

CAUTION: 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 clean, drinkable water.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system:
  • Add Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (in Oregon VC-5, in Canada CXC-10) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A (green color), or Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant VC-7-A or equivalent meeting Ford Specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Do not mix coolant types.
  • The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.
  • Do not add/mix orange colored 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 anti-freeze. These can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
  • Do not mix with recycled coolant unless it meets the requirements of Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A or WSS-M97B51-A1. Not all coolant recycling processes meet these Ford specifications. Use of such coolants may harm the engine and cooling system components.

The water temperature indicator sender unit provides a signal to the temperature gauge.

The optional block heater: