1997 FORD F SERIES MOTORHOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS coolant level

18 %
*
[IS09900( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
*
[IS10000( ALL)01/96]
This gauge tells you the temperature of the
engine coolant, not the coolant level. If the
coolant is not at its proper level or mixture, the
gauge indicator will not be accurate.
*
[IS10100( ALL)01/96]
The pointer moves from the C (cold) mark into
the Normal band as the engine coolant warms
up. It is acceptable for the pointer to fluctuate
within the Normal band under normal driving
conditions. Under certain driving conditions,
such as heavy stop and go traffic or driving up
hills in hot weather, the pointer may move to
the top of the Normal band.
*
[IS10200( ALL)01/96]
If, under any circumstances, the pointer moves
above the NORMAL band, the engine coolant is
overheating and continued operation may cause
engine damage.
*
[IS10300( ALL)01/96]
If your engine coolant overheats:
*
[IS10400( ALL)01/96]
1. Pull off the road as soon as it is safely
possible.
*
[IS10500( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn off the engine. If you do not stop the
engine as soon as safely possible, severe
engine damage could result.
*
[IS10600( ALL)01/96]
3. Let the engine cool.DO NOT REMOVE
COOLANT SYSTEM FILL CAP UNTIL
THE ENGINE IS COOL.
*
[IS10700( ALL)01/96]
4. Check the coolant level following the
instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine Coolantin the
Index. If you do not follow these
instructions, you or others could be injured.
*
[IS10800( ALL)01/96]
For instructions on checking and adding coolant
to your engine, seeEngine coolantin the Index. If
you do not follow these instructions, you or
others could be injured.
File:03ltism.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:17:22 1996

107
%*
[MC10700( ALL)01/96]
Driveline Universal Joint and Slip
Yoke
[MC10800( M)01/96]
The universal joints that come standard with
your vehicle do require lubrication. Lubrication
will be necessary at the intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedule and Recordbooklet.
%
*
[MC11700( ALL)01/96]
Engine Coolant
[MC11750( ALL)01/96]
Checking the engine coolant
*
[MC11800( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle's engine coolant protects the engine
from overheating in the summer and from
freezing in the winter. Check the level of the
engine coolant at least once a month, but
preferably each time you stop for fuel. Simply
look at the engine coolant recovery reservoir
located in the engine compartment. To locate
this reservoir, see the diagram of your vehicle's
engine underEngine typesin this chapter.
*
[MC11850( ALL)01/96]
If the engine coolant has not been checked for a
long period of time the engine coolant reservoir
may eventually empty. If the engine coolant
reservoir empties, check the engine coolant level
in the radiator. Read the following warnings
before removing the radiator cap. If it is
necessary to fill the radiator, refer to theEngine
Coolant Refill Procedurein this chapter for
instructions.
[MC11900( M)01/96]
Your cooling system is of the coolant recovery
type. The engine coolant recovery reservoir is a
one-piece molded unit. Engine coolant in the
system expands with heat and overflows into the
engine coolant recovery reservoir. When the
system cools down, coolant is drawn back into
the radiator.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

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.
File:11ltmcm.ex
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.
File:11ltmcm.ex
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.
File:11ltmcm.ex
Update:Fri Dec 13 11:24:54 1996

200 Owner Maintenance Checks
*
[BK83900( ALL)06/95]
q
If any slipping or changes in the operation of
your transmission occur, check the
transmission fluid level.
*
[BK84000( ALL)06/95]
q
Check automatic transmission P (Park)
function.
*
[BK84100( ALL)04/93]
q
Check parking brake.
[BK84300( M)04/93]
q
Verify proper ªBrakeº bulb check response
when starting vehicle.
*
[BK84400( ALL)01/95]
At least monthly:
*
[BK84600( ALL)06/95]
q
Check coolant level in the coolant recovery
reservoir.
*
[BK84700( ALL)01/95]
q
Check the operation of all exterior lamps,
including the brakelamps, turn signals and
hazard warning flashers.
*
[BK84800( ALL)04/93]
q
Check for fluid leaks by inspecting the
surface beneath your vehicle for oil, coolant,
or other fluid drips. Clean water from the air
conditioning system is normal.
*
[BK84900( ALL)01/95]
At least twice a year:
(i.e., every Spring and Fall)
*
[BK85000( ALL)06/95]
q
Check power steering fluid level.
*
[BK85050( ALL)06/95]
q
Check windshield washer spray and wiper
operation. Clean wiper blades with clean
cloth dampened with washer fluid.
*
[BK85200( ALL)01/95]
q
Check radiator, heater and air-conditioning
hoses for leaks or damage.
*
[BK85300( ALL)06/95]
q
Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug
nuts.
*
[BK85400( ALL)04/93]
q
Clean body and door drain holes.
*
[BK85500( ALL)04/93]
q
Flush complete underside of vehicle.
File:18ltbkm.ex
Update:Thu Dec 12 13:32:30 1996