Engine Cooling: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Thunderbird. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Vehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) 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.

The cooling system components include the:

block heater (optional).
cylinder head temperature sensor.
fan blade, fan motor and fan shroud assembly.
radiator.
pressure relief cap.
degas bottle.
radiator draincock.
coolant pump.
auxiliary coolant pump.
oil cooler (optional).
thermostat.

The thermostat:

controls the engine coolant temperature.
allows quicker engine warm-up.

The degas bottle:

provides a location for system fill.
contains coolant expansion and system pressurization.
provides air separation during operation.
replenishes the engine coolant to the system.
The fan blade draws air through the radiator to help cool the engine coolant.

The fan motor:

operates only when the engine is running.

The engine coolant flows:

from the lower radiator hose to the coolant pump.
from the coolant pump to the engine block and the cylinder heads.
A closed thermostat returns the engine coolant to the coolant pump. An open thermostat allows the engine coolant to flow to the radiator.

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 distilled water.

To maintain the integrity of the cooling system:

Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-97B51-A1 (yellow color). Do not mix coolant types.
Do not add/mix Motorcraft Speciality Orange Engine Coolant VC-2 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D (orange color). Mixing coolants can 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 can harm the engine and cooling system components. Do not mix coolant types.
The cylinder head temperature sensor provides a signal to the temperature gauge and will invoke fail-safe cooling.

The optional block heater:

electrical heating element is installed in the block cooling jacket.
- uses a standard 110V (220V in Europe) electrical supply.
keeps the engine coolant warm during cold weather.

The auxiliary coolant pump:

provides heater coolant flow boost.
has a secondary function of providing engine-off cooling.