2003 Ford Excursion Diesel Supplement 2nd Printing - Page 34

General maintenance information 3. Step back while the pressure releases. 4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap. 5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see above), to within the "cold fill range" or the "cold full" level on the reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full. 6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly installed to prevent coolant loss.) After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration see Checking engine coolant section). If the concentration is not 50/50 (protection to -34°F/-36°C), drain some coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains and additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration. Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level. If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage. Replacing coolant A coolant mixture of 50% coolant concentrate and 50% water is recommended to maintain best overall performance. To avoid damaging the engine and radiator, the coolant concentrate should not exceed 60%. When refilling the coolant system either as part of the regular maintenance (refer to the scheduled maintenance guide), or due to service performed, adhere to the following instructions: 1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil, rust particles. 2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant/water mixture until the level stabilizes at the top hose fitting. Replace and tighten cap. Fill the coolant bottle to the cold fill mark. 3. Reinstall the coolant bottle cap. 4. Start and idle engine until the radiator upper hose is warm (approximately 10-15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm then repeat at a higher engine speed. 34