Contents Section: Cooling System (Mechanical) All sections

Engine Cooling: Diagnosis Lincoln LS I рестайлинг

Inspection and Verification

WARNINGNever remove the pressure relief cap under any conditions while the engine is operating. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine and/or personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the cooling system, use extreme care when removing the pressure relief cap from a hot degas bottle. Wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly one turn (counterclockwise). Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, remove the pressure relief cap (still with a cloth).
CAUTIONCheck the coolant level and engine oil, top off the coolant if needed. If there is engine coolant in the engine oil, the cause must be corrected and oil changed or major component damage can occur.
CAUTIONVehicle cooling systems are filled with Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B51-A1 (yellow color). Always fill the cooling system with the same coolant that is present in the system. Do not mix coolant types.
  1. Verify the customer concern by operating the engine to duplicate the condition.
  2. Inspect to determine if any of the following mechanical or electrical concerns apply. VISUAL INSPECTION CHART Mechanical Electrical Leaks Restricted airflow through the condenser/radiator Damaged hoses Loose/damaged hose clamps Damaged coolant gasket Damaged head gaskets Damaged coolant pump Damaged radiator Damaged degas bottle Damaged heater core Damaged or obstructed electric cooling fan Damaged cylinder head temperature sensor Damaged wiring Fuse Damaged circuitry CAUTION: The cylinder head temperature sensor is not reusable after removal. For electrical concern testing, refer to INTRODUCTION article.
  3. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.
  4. Inspect the coolant condition: Inspect the coolant color. If Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant VC-7-A (in Oregon VC-7-B) 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 ESE-M99B37-B5 except as noted in ES-F6SE-19A511-AA. 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 Premium Gold Engine Coolant. An iridescent sheen on the surface 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-207551) . A milky brown color may indicate that engine oil is entering the cooling system. If 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-207551) . A milky brown color in the engine oil may indicate that coolant is entering the oil. If coolant 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-207551) . If the engine coolant appearance is acceptable, test the engine coolant freezing point range with the Battery/Antifreeze tester. The freezing point should be in the range -50 to -10°F. If the vehicle is driven in cold climates less than -34°F, it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration to get adequate freeze protection. Maximum coolant concentration is 60/40. Minimum coolant concentration is 40/60. Adjust coolant range and level if necessary: If the coolant is low, add specified coolant mixture only. If the coolant tests weak, add straight engine coolant until the readings are within acceptable levels. If the coolant tests strong, remove some of the engine coolant and add water until the readings are within acceptable levels.
  5. If the concern remains after the inspection, determine the symptom(s). GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-207554-S31411344822005113000000) .
  6. Verify the cooling system is correctly filled and bled. For additional information, refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-207554-S15116975712005113000000) in this section.

Symptom Chart

ConditionPossible SourcesAction
Loss of engine coolantRadiator. Thermostat housing assembly. Auxiliary coolant pump. Coolant control valve. Oil cooler. PCV heater system. Throttle body adapter heating. Coolant pump seal. Radiator hoses. Heater hoses. Heater core. Engine gaskets. Degas bottle.Go To PINPOINT TEST A: LOSS OF COOLANT .
The engine overheatsThermostat. Airlock in the system. Coolant pump. Internal engine coolant leak. Radiator. Radiator airflow obstruction. Cooling fan. Cooling fan wiring. Pressure relief cap.Go To PINPOINT TEST B: THE ENGINE OVERHEATS .
The engine does not reach normal operating temperatureThermostat.Go To PINPOINT TEST C: THE ENGINE DOES NOT REACH NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE .
The block heater does not operate correctlyBlock heater power cable. Block heater.DISCONNECT the power cable from the heater. CHECK the resistance in all three power cable circuits. If the resistance is greater than 5 ohms in any circuit, INSTALL a new power cable. If the resistance is less than 5 ohms in all three circuits, INSTALL a new block heater.
Noisy cooling fan operationForeign particle contamination.NOTE: Make sure key is in the off position and the cooling fan has stopped rotating before servicing. Remove the contaminants from the cooling fan and shroud. CHECK for normal operation.
The electric cooling fan is inoperativeCircuitry. Cooling fan motor.REFER to the INTRODUCTION article to diagnose the cooling fan system.
The electric cooling fan stays on all the timeCircuitry. A/C system fault.REFER to the INTRODUCTION article to diagnose the cooling fan system.
NOTE
Make sure key is in the off position and the cooling fan has stopped rotating before servicing.

SYMPTOM CHART

PINPOINT TEST A: LOSS OF COOLANT

  1. A1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Key in OFF position. Visually check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle. Is the engine coolant level within specification? Yes : GO to A2. No : FILL the engine coolant as necessary. GO to A6 .
  2. A2 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP WARNING: To avoid personal injury, do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Inspect the pressure relief cap for foreign material between the sealing gasket and the diaphragm. Is the pressure relief cap OK? Yes : GO to A5 . No: CLEAN or INSTALL a new pressure relief cap. TEST the system for normal operation. GO to A3.
  3. A3 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT FOR INTERNAL LEAK Key in OFF position. Inspect the engine coolant in the degas bottle for signs of engine oil. Is oil evident in the coolant? Yes : If engine oil is evident, REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-207551) . No : GO to A4.
  4. A4 CHECK THE ENGINE OIL FOR COOLANT Remove the oil level indicator from the engine. Is coolant evident in the oil? Yes : If coolant is in the engine, REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-207551) . No : GO to A5.
  5. A5 PRESSURE TEST THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM Pressure test the engine cooling system. Refer to the «COMPONENT TESTS»(ref-207554-S36253897012005113000000) in this section. Does the engine cooling system leak? Yes : REPAIR or INSTALL new components. TEST the system for normal operation. No : The cooling system is operational. GO to «SYMPTOM CHART»(ref-207554-S31411344822005113000000) .
  6. A6 CHECK THE DEGAS BOTTLE Add coolant to the degas bottle until fluid is between the coolant fill level marks. Does the degas bottle leak? Yes : INSTALL a new degas bottle. TEST the system for normal operation. No : CARRY OUT the cooling system pressure test. REFER to the «COMPONENT TESTS»(ref-207554-S36253897012005113000000) in this section. REPAIR as necessary. TEST the system for normal operation.

PINPOINT TEST B: THE ENGINE OVERHEATS

  1. B1 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL Key in OFF position. Check the engine coolant level at the degas bottle. Is the engine coolant OK? Yes : GO to B2. No : FILL the engine coolant at the degas bottle. Go To «PINPOINT TEST A: LOSS OF COOLANT»(ref-207554-S09617975882005113000000) .
  2. B2 CHECK THE COOLANT CONDITION Check the coolant for contaminants such as rust, corrosion, or discoloration. Is the coolant condition OK? Yes : GO to B3. No : FLUSH the engine cooling system. REFER to «ENGINE AND RADIATOR FLUSHING»(ref-207554-S42139386042005113000000) in this section. TEST the system for normal operation.
  3. B3 CHECK FOR AN AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION Inspect the A/C condenser core and radiator for obstructions such as leaves or dirt. Is there an obstruction? Yes : REMOVE the obstruction. CLEAN the A/C condenser core and radiator. TEST the system for normal operation. No : GO to B4.
  4. B4 CHECK THE THERMOSTAT OPERATION Key in START position. Start the engine and allow the engine to run for 10 minutes. Key in OFF position. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. Are the upper and lower radiator hoses cold? Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation. No : GO to B5.
  5. B5 CHECK THE COOLING FAN OPERATION Carry out the cooling fan diagnostic tests. Refer to INTRODUCTION article to diagnose the cooling fan system. Is the cooling fan operation OK? Yes : GO to B6. No : REPAIR the cooling fan system. REFER to INTRODUCTION article to diagnose the cooling fan system. TEST the system for normal operation.
  6. B6 CHECK COOLANT PUMP OPERATION Visually inspect coolant pump for rotation and damage. Is coolant pump OK? Yes : REFER to «ENGINE SYSTEM-GENERAL INFORMATION»(ref-207551) for diagnosis and testing of the engine. No : INSTALL a new coolant pump.

PINPOINT TEST C: THE ENGINE DOES NOT REACH NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE

  1. C1 CHECK THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE Key in START position. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle for 10 minutes. Key in OFF position. Feel the upper and lower radiator hoses. Are the upper and lower radiator hoses cold? Yes : INSTALL a new thermostat. TEST the system for normal operation. No : REFER to «INFORMATION, GAUGES & WARNING DEVICES»(ref-207563) for diagnosis and testing of the engine coolant temperature gauge.

Pressure Test

  1. Turn the engine OFF.
  2. Remove the cowl vent screen. Refer to «EXTERIOR TRIM»(ref-207571) .
  3. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to «COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING»(ref-207554-S15116975712005113000000) in this section.
  4. Connect the Radiator/Heater Core Pressure Tester to the degas bottle nipple and overflow hose. Install a pressure test pump to the quick-connect fitting of the test adapter.
  5. Slowly depress the plunger of the pressure test pump until the pressure gauge reading stops increasing and note the highest pressure reading obtained.
  6. 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.
  7. If 8-9 kPa (13 psi) cannot be reached, carry out the pressure relief cap component test. If more than 12 kPa (18 psi) shows on the gauge, install a new pressure relief cap.
  8. 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-207554-S42695114122005113000000) . Pressure should not drop during this time.
  9. 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-207554-S15116975712005113000000) in this section.

Radiator Leak Test, Removed From the Vehicle

CAUTIONNever leak test an aluminum radiator in the same water that copper/brass radiators are tested in. Flux and caustic cleaners can be present in the cleaning tank and they will damage aluminum radiators.

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.