1999 Ford F350 Owner Guide 4th Printing - Page 179

Maintenance and care • DO NOT MIX recycled coolant and conventional coolant together in your vehicle. Mixing of engine coolants may harm your engine's cooling system. • The use of an improper coolant may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the warranty of your vehicle's engine cooling system. • Use only the type of coolant with which your vehicle was originally equipped. If you are unsure which type of coolant your vehicle requires, contact your local dealer. Do not put engine coolant in the container for the windshield washer fluid. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could make it difficult to see through the windshield. When the engine is cool, add a 50/50 mixture of engine coolant and distilled water to the engine coolant reservoir. Plain water may be added in an emergency, but you must replace it with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir the next few times you drive the vehicle. If necessary, add enough of a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water to bring the liquid level to the fill line on the reservoir. Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot. If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid personal injury: 1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let it cool. 2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release. 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. Change your engine coolant according to the appropriate schedule listed in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. 179