1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS Owners Manual

109
*
[MC12600( ALL)01/96]
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
*
[MC12650( ALL)01/96]
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has
been released, use the cloth to press, turn,
and remove cap.
*
[MC12700( ALL)01/96]
5. Stand away from the radiator opening. Hot
steam may blow out or hot engine coolant
may even splash out.
%*
[MC12750( ALL)01/96]
Freezing Protection
*
[MC12800( ALL)01/96]
The factory-installed solution of Ford Premium
Cooling System Fluid and water will protect
your vehicle toS35ÊF (S37ÊC).Check the freeze
protection rating of the engine coolant at least
once a year, just before winter.
*
[MC12850( ALL)01/96]
Add engine coolant only to the coolant
reservoir.If the coolant level is low, add to the
reservoir a 50/50 mixture of water and the type
of engine coolant that Ford specifies. You may
add water by itself only in an emergency, but
you should replace it with a 50/50 mixture as
soon as possible. Check the engine coolant again
the next few times you drive your vehicle.
*
[MC12900( ALL)01/96]
Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid is an
optimized formula that will protect all metals
and rubber elastomers used in Ford engines for
four years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km). It is not
necessary and not recommended to use
supplemental coolant additives in your gasoline
powered vehicle. These additives may harm
your engine cooling system. Follow the
recommended service interval for changing your
engine coolant.
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Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

110
*
[MC12950( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: When you change or add engine
coolant, it is important to maintain
your engine coolant concentration
between 40%(-11ÊF [-24ÊC]) and 60%
(-62ÊF [-52ÊC]),depending on your local
climate conditions. Below 40% you will
lose freeze protection and above 60%
your engine may overheat on a warm
day.
%*
[MC13000( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Do not use an engine coolant that does
not meet all 14 requirements of Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. The use
of an improper coolant may void your
warranty for the engine cooling system.
Use only a premium nationally
recognized brand name engine coolant.
*
[MC13050( ALL)01/96]
Ford Motor Company expressly authorizes the
Ford Rotunda engine coolant recycling process
and chemicals. Use only Ford Rotunda recycled
engine coolant or an equivalent recycled engine
coolant that is certified by the supplier to meet
Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A.
%*
[MC13100( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Always dispose of used automotive
fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community's standards for
disposing of these types of fluids. Call
your local recycling center to find out
about recycling automotive fluids.
%*
[MC13150( ALL)01/96]
Use Ford Premium Cooling System Fluid or an
equivalent engine coolant that meets Ford
Specification ESE-M97B44-A. Do not use alcohol
or methanol antifreeze and do not use engine
coolant mixed with alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. If you do not use the proper coolant,
the aluminum radiator on your vehicle will
corrode.
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Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

111
*
[MC13200( ALL)01/96]
Leave the engine coolant in all year. Make sure
that the coolant will not freeze at the
temperature level in which you drive during
winter months. Keep a mixture of engine coolant
in your engine that has a protection rating of at
least-34ÊF (-37ÊC), orwhatever protection rating
is appropriate for the climate in which you live.
*
[MC13250( ALL)01/96]
To find out how much engine coolant mixture
your vehicle's coolant system can hold, seeRefill
capacities for fluidsin the Index.
*
[MC13300( ALL)01/96]
You may add water by itself only in an
emergency, but you should replace it with a
50/50 or appropriate mixture as soon as
possible.
*
[MC13350( ALL)01/96]
Have your dealer check the engine cooling
system for leaks if you have to add a quart
(liter) of engine coolant more than once a month.
[MC13400( ALL)01/96]
Checking hoses
*
[MC13450( ALL)01/96]
Inspect all engine and heater system hoses for
deterioration, leaks and loose clamps before
adding or replacing engine coolant. Make
whatever repairs or replacements that are
necessary using Motorcraft parts or their
equivalents.
[MC13500( ALL)01/96]
Engine coolant drain and flush
*
[MC13550( ALL)01/96]
To drain your vehicle's engine coolant:
*
[MC13600( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn off the engine and let it cool. Fully
depressurize the engine cooling system by
covering the radiator cap with a thick cloth
and turning it slowly counterclockwise to the
first stop. Step back while the pressure
releases.
*
[MC13650( ALL)01/96]
2. Remove the cap.
*
[MC13750(B FM)01/96]
3. Attach a small hose to the drain tube at the
bottom of the radiator.
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Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

112
*
[MC13800( ALL)01/96]
4. Let the engine coolant drain into a suitable
container. Disconnect the lower radiator hose
at the radiator connector and drain any
remaining engine coolant into a container.
*
[MC13850( ALL)01/96]
5. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and close
the radiator drain cock.
*
[MC13900( ALL)01/96]
Proper procedures for flushing the cooling
system can be found in theTruck Service Manual.
[MC13950( ALL)01/96]
Engine coolant refill procedure
*
[MC14000( ALL)01/96]
After you have drained the engine cooling
system:
*
[MC14050( ALL)01/96]
1. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of the
specified engine coolant concentrate and
water. Allow several minutes for trapped air
to escape (bubble out) and for engine coolant
to flow through the radiator.
*
[MC14100( ALL)01/96]
2. Replace the radiator cap to its fully installed
position, then back off to the first stop. This
will prevent high pressure from building up
in the cooling system during this part of the
fill procedure.
*
[MC14150( ALL)01/96]
3. Start and idle the engine until the thermostat
opens and the radiator upper hose becomes
warm.
*
[MC14200( ALL)01/96]
4. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to
cool. Cover the radiator cap with a thick
cloth and cautiously remove it. Step back
while the pressure releases.
*
[MC14250( ALL)01/96]
5. Finally, check the radiator and add more
engine coolant if needed, following the
procedures noted above. Reinstall the
radiator cap securely, when finished.
*
[MC14300( ALL)01/96]
6. If more engine coolant is necessary, fill the
overflow reservoir to the appropriate level
marked on the bottle.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

113
%*
[MC18300( ALL)01/96]
Power Steering Fluid
*
[MC18350( ALL)01/96]
Check the level of the power steering fluid at
least twice a year (i.e., every Spring and Fall).
*
[MC18400( ALL)01/96]
To check the level of your power steering fluid:
*
[MC18450( ALL)01/96]
1. Start the engine and let it run until the
power steering fluid reaches normal
operating temperature. The power steering
fluid will be at the right temperature when
the engine coolant temperature gauge in the
instrument cluster is near the center of the
NORMAL operating temperature range.
*
[MC18500( ALL)01/96]
2. While the engine idles, turn the steering
wheel back and forth several times. Make
sure that the cap assembly is installed at this
time.
[MC18600( M)01/96]
3. Then turn the engine off and do not press
the brake pedal.
%*
[MC18650( ALL)01/96]
4. Check the fluid level on the dipstick (which
is highlighted in yellow in your vehicle). The
fluid level should be between the arrows in
the FULL HOT range, which is marked on
the side of the dipstick, opposite the side
marked FULL COLD. Do not add fluid if the
level is within the FULL HOT range.
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114
*
[MC18700( ALL)01/96]
one third page art:0021016-B
Power steering dipstick
[MC18900( M)01/96]
one third page art:0020729-C
Power steering reservoir
*
[MC19050( ALL)01/96]
5. If the power steering fluid is low, add fluid
in small amounts, continuously checking the
level, until you reach the FULL HOT range.
Do not overfill.
% [MC19200( M)01/96]
q
Use only Motorcraft MERCONHAutomatic
Transmission Fluid XT-2-QDX or DDX or an
equivalent MERCONHapproved fluid.
*
[MC19250( ALL)01/96]
If the power steering fluid is low, do not drive
your vehicle for a long period of time before
adding fluid. This can damage the power
steering pump.
*
[MC19300( ALL)01/96]
6. When you are finished, put the dipstick back
in and make sure that it fits snugly.
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Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

115
*
[MC19350( ALL)01/96]
If you check the power steering fluid when it is
cold, make sure that the fluid reaches the FULL
COLD range on the dipstick. The reading will
only be accurate if the fluid temperature is
approximately 50 to85ÊF (10 to 30ÊC).
*
[MC19400( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Do not turn the steering wheel of your
vehicle with the engine off. It could
force power steering fluid out from the
reservoir cap or in extreme cases, it
could unseat the cap.
[MC19500( M)01/96]Suspension and Steering
[MC19600( M)01/96]
Modifications
[MC19700( M)01/96]
The suspension and steering systems on your
vehicle have been designed and tested to
provide both safe, predictable performance
whether loaded or empty as well as durable
load carrying capability. Any modifications to
the suspension or steering systems can reduce
your vehicle's performance capability and
adversely affect driver and passenger safety.
Ford recommends that you do not make
modifications such as adding or removing parts
(like lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by using
replacement parts not equivalent to the original
factory equipment.
[MC19800( M)01/96]
RWARNING
The low pressure gas shock absorbers are
charged with nitrogen gas to 90 psi (620
kPa). Do not attempt to heat, puncture or
open.
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Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

116 [MC19900( M)01/96]Inspecting for Road Damage
[MC20000( M)01/96]
The suspension and steering linkage in your
vehicle should be inspected periodically for
abnormal looseness and damaged seals. Also be
alert for changes in steering action. Hard
steering, excessive free play or unusual sounds
when turning or parking indicate a need for
inspection or servicing.
[MC20100( M)01/96]
NOTE: After any severe impact such as
striking large potholes, inadvertent
sliding into curbs on icy roads, or a
collision involving the front end,
observe the steering wheel alignment.
If the steering wheel spokes seem to
be in a different position while going
down the road, have the front
suspension and steering checked for
possible damage.
%
*
[MC21300( ALL)01/96]
Automatic Transmission Fluid
[MC21400( M)01/96]
Under normal driving conditions automatic
transmission fluid should not need changing.
Under severe duty conditions automatic
transmission fluid should be changed every
21,000 miles (34,000 km). However, if the
transmission is not working properly, for
instance, the transmission may slip or shift
slowly, or you may notice some sign of fluid
leakage, the fluid level should be checked.
[MC21500( ALL)01/96]
Transmission fluid, filter and seal assembly
should be changed every 21,000 miles
(34,000 km) only under any of the following
conditions.
[MC21550( ALL)01/96]
q
Extended periods of high speed driving
during hot weather at/or above+90ÊF
(+30ÊC).
[MC21600( ALL)01/96]
q
Towing a trailer for distances over 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) per trip.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996