Cooling System Specifications Ford Econoline E150

DESCRIPTION

The basic liquid cooling system consists of a radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, radiator pressure cap, heater, and various connecting hoses and cooling passages in the block and cylinder head.

DRAINING

Remove radiator cap and open heater control valve to maximum heat position. Open radiator and engine block drain plugs. In-line engines usually have one drain plug, located at left rear of cylinder block. On "V" type engines, there are 2 drain plugs, one in each bank of cylinders.

CLEANING

A good cleaning solution removes most rust and scales. Follow manufacturer's directions in the use of cleaner. If considerable rust and scale has to removed, cooling system should be flushed. Clean radiator air passages with compressed air.

FLUSHING

Back flushing is an effective means of removing cooling system rust and scale. The radiator, engine and heater must be flushed separately.

In severe cases, the pressure flushing method may be used. Always remove thermostat prior to pressure flushing. Do not back flush systems that have water shut-off valve in heater system, damage to valve can result. Various types of flushing equipment are available. Follow manufacturer's directions carefully.

REFILLING

To prevent air from being trapped in engine block, engine should be running when refilling cooling system. After system is full, continue running engine until thermostat is open, then recheck fill level. Do not overfill system.

THERMOSTAT

1. Visually inspect thermostat for corrosion and proper sealing of valve and seat. With thermostat at room temperature, hold thermostat to a light. If light leaks around the thermostat valve, replace thermostat. On some thermostats, slight leakage of light at one to 2 locations on the perimeter of valve may be detected. This should be considered normal.
2. To heat test thermostat, immerse thermostat in a boiling solution of 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. With solution heated to 221° F (100° C), a 192° F (89° C) thermostat should open 1/8" (3.2 mm).
3. With solution heated to 221° F (105° C), a 197° F (92° C) thermostat should open 1/8" (3.2 mm). Replace thermostat if not opening as specified.

PRESSURE TESTING

A pressure tester is used to check both radiator cap and complete cooling system. Test components as follows, following tool manufacturer's instructions.

Radiator Cap

Visually inspect radiator cap, then dip cap into water and connect to tester. Pump tester to bring pressure to upper limit of cap specification. (Scheme 1) If radiator cap fails to hold pressure, replace radiator cap.

Scheme 1

1. With engine off, wipe radiator filler neck seat clean. Radiator coolant level should be one inch (25 mm) below filler neck before testing. Wet rubber seal of radiator cap and install tightly on radiator.
2. Remove coolant temperature sending unit from engine and install adapter fitting from Cooling System Pressurization Kit (021-00012). On Vans, remove radiator overflow hose from retainer clips. If vehicle is equipped with an expansion bottle, use separate hose. NOTE: Pressure may build up quickly. Release any excess pressure or cooling system damage may result.
3. On other models, remove radiator overflow hose from overflow nipple. On all models, insert free end of overflow hose into a container of water. Attach pressure pump into adapter fitting and pressurize cooling system to about 10 psi (.70 kg/cm 2 ).
4. No bubbles should be present in water container at this time. If okay, increase system pressure gradually until a slight stream of bubbles appear in water container. This indicates release pressure of radiator cap. If radiator cap does not release after applying 16 psi (1.13 kg/cm 2 ) of pressure, replace cap.
5. If radiator cap does not hold pressure, remove and wash cap in clean water. Check sealing surfaces in cap and radiator filler neck. Inspect cam lock flanges for maximum engagement. Pressurize cooling system again. Repeat step 4). Replace radiator cap if it still does not hold pressure.
6. With a working radiator cap, pressurize cooling system and observe pressure gauge reading for 2 minutes. On Aerostar, Bronco II and Ranger, pressure should hold between 12-16 psi (.84-1.13 kg/cm 2 ). On "E" and "F" series, pressure should hold between 10-13 psi (.70-.91 kg/cm 2 ). Pressure should not drop during test.
7. If pressure drops, inspect for external leaks. If no leaks are apparent, remove tester and run engine until normal operating temperature is reached. Reinstall tester and observe. If after pumping tester, pressure builds up immediately, a possible leak exists from a faulty head gasket or crack in cylinder head or block.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Vehicle maintenance schedule is located in owner's manual or Emission Control Information Decal. Check coolant, hoses and clamps annually prior to cold weather.

COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS