THERMOSTAT
Most thermostats are thermal wax pellet type. As coolant temperatures rise, the wax begins to expand. This expansion overcomes spring tension, allowing thermostat to open. Some thermostats have a bleed hole to allow a small amount of circulation and help eliminate air locks.
PRESSURE CAP
Cooling systems use a closed system pressure cap. This system allows for coolant expansion during engine operation. As coolant expands and builds pressure, some coolant is permitted to bleed past the cap into the overflow tank. When the engine cools and coolant contracts, the cap allows coolant in the overflow tank to siphon back into the system.
The pressure cap also increases pressure in the cooling system. The increased pressure raises the boiling point. One pound of pressure raises the boiling point approximately 10°F.
COOLANT MIXTURE
Engine coolant must be mixed with water to a specified percentage. A 100 percent coolant mixture could cause system overheating or premature system failure. The percentage of coolant to water can vary depending on climate condition, but a 50/50 mixture is a standard percentage.
| CAUTION | On all models with aluminum cylinder head(s), Cooling System Fluid (E2FZ-19549-AA) must be used at a 50/50 mixture with water to prevent cooling system damage. |
MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance is necessary for extended cooling system and engine life. Because engine and cooling systems are made of different metals, electrolysis begins to destroy the metals. Changing coolant at scheduled maintenance periods reduces electrolysis and removes sediment. Replace coolant every 36 months or 30,000 miles.
Note. Approximate capacity is listed. Capacity may vary 15 percent due to system variations.
| Application | Specification | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Capacity | ||||
| Continental | ||||
| 3.8L | 12.1 Qts. (11.5L) | |||
| Cougar & Thunderbird | ||||
| 3.8L | 11.6 QTs. (10.9L) | |||
| 3.8L Supercharged | 12.0 Qts. (11.3L) | |||
| Crown VIctoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car & Wagon | ||||
| 5.0L & 5.8L | 14.1 Qts. (13.3L) | |||
| Escort | ||||
| A/T | ||||
| With A/C | 7.3 Qts. (6.9L) | |||
| Without A/C | 8.3 Qts. (7.9L) | |||
| M/T | ||||
| With A/C | 6.8 Qts. (6.4L) | |||
| Without A/C | 8.3 Qts. (7.9L) | |||
| Mark VII | ||||
| 5.0L | 14.1 Qts. (13.3L) | |||
| Mustang | ||||
| 2.3L | 10.0 Qts. (9.4L) | |||
| 5.0L H.O. | 14.1 Qts. (13.3L) | |||
| Probe | ||||
| 2.2L | 7.9 Qts. (7.5L) | |||
| 3.0L | 11.0 Qts. (10.4L) | |||
| Sable & Taurus | ||||
| 2.5L | 7.9 Qts. (7.5L) | |||
| 3.0L | ||||
| Sedan | 11.0 Qts. (10.4L) | |||
| Wagon | 11.8 Qts. (11.2L) | |||
| 3.0L SHO | 11.6 QTs. (11.0L) | |||
| 3.8L | 12.1 Qts. (11.5L) | |||
| Tempo & Topaz | ||||
| A/T | 7.8 Qts. (7.5L) | |||
| M/T | 7.3 Qts. (6.9L) | |||
| Pressure Cap | 16 psi | |||
| Thermostat | ||||
| Continental | ||||
| 3.8L | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| Cougar & Thunderbird | ||||
| 3.8L | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| 3.8L Supercharged | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car & Wagon | ||||
| 5.0L & 5.8L | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Escort | ||||
| A/T | ||||
| With A/C | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Without A/C | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| M/T | ||||
| With A/C | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Without A/C | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Mark VII | ||||
| 5.0L | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Mustang | ||||
| 2.3L | N/A | |||
| 5.0L H.O. | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| Probe | ||||
| 2.2L | N/A | |||
| 3.0L | N/A | |||
| Sable & Taurus | ||||
| 2.5L | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| 3.0L | ||||
| Sedan | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| Wagon | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| 3.0L SHO | N/A | |||
| 3.8L | 197°F (92°C) | |||
| Tempo & Topaz | ||||
| A/T | 192°F (89°C) | |||
| M/T | 192°F (89°C) | |||
COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS