Engine Cooling: Diagnosis Ford Escape I

Inspection and Verification

Note. The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan.

1. Verify the customer's concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. See «VISUAL INSPECTION CHART»(ref-204619-S21570739332005111200000) . VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Leaks Restricted airflow through the condenser/radiator Damaged hoses Loose/damaged hose clamps Damaged water gasket Damaged head gaskets Damaged intake manifold gasket Damaged coolant pump Damaged radiator Damaged Gades bottle Damaged heater core Damaged cylinder head temperature sensor Damaged wiring Electric cooling fans
3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
4. Inspect the coolant condition. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM INSPECTION»(ref-204619-S35139805182005111200000) .
5. Verify the cooling system is correctly filled and bled. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-204619-S09134506632005111200000) .
6. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-204619-S38462139932005111200000) .

Symptom Chart

SYMPTOM

Scheme 2

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Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Pressure Test

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-204619-S09134506632005111200000) .
3. Connect the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the Gades bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick connect fitting of the test adapter.
4. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
5. If the pressure relief cap does not hold pressure, remove and wash the pressure relief cap in clean water to dislodge all foreign particles from the gaskets. Check the sealing surface in the filler neck.
6. If the cooling system does not hold 120 kPa (17.4 psi) or if more than 150 kPa (21.7 psi) shows on gauge, determine the location of the leak. If it is the cap on the bottle, install a new pressure relief cap.
7. Pressurize the engine cooling system as described in Step 4 (using a pressure relief cap that operates within the specified upper and lower pressure limits). Observe the gauge reading for approximately two minutes; refer to «GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-204619-S23872389152005111200000) . Pressure should not drop during this time.
8. Release the system pressure by loosening the pressure relief cap. Check the engine coolant level and replenish, if necessary, with the correct engine coolant mixture; refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-204619-S09134506632005111200000) .

Radiator Leak Test, Removed From the Vehicle

Note. Always install plugs in the oil cooler fittings before leak testing or cleaning any radiator.

Note. Clean the radiator before leak testing to avoid contamination of tank.

1. Leak-test the radiator in clean water with 138 kPa (20 psi) air pressure.

Scheme 7

Inspection

1. Inspect the coolant color: NOTE: The addition of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 darkens Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from yellow to golden tan. If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color) has a clear or pale yellow color, this indicates higher water content than required. Dark brown could indicate unauthorized stop leak may have been used. Use Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets VC-6 or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M99B37-B6. On Zetec engines only, a light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of water and Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant. An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-204610) . A milky brown color may indicate that either engine oil or transmission fluid is entering the cooling system. If transmission fluid is suspected the cause may be a leaky radiator, pressure test the cooling system. Refer to «COMPONENT TEST»(ref-204619-S16115436982005111200000) . If engine oil is suspected the cause of the leak may be internal to the engine. For additional information on engine diagnosis, refer to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-204610) . If transmission fluid is contaminated with engine coolant the cause may be a leaky radiator, pressure test the system. For additional information, refer to the «COMPONENT TEST»(ref-204619-S16115436982005111200000) .
2. If engine coolant appearance is good, test the engine coolant range with the battery and antifreeze tester: Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40. Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60.
3. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary: If coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only. If the engine coolant tests too weak, add straight engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels. If the engine coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add distilled water until the readings are within acceptable levels.

Scheme 8