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Engine oil and filter recommendations—Cummins B and Caterpillar
3126 B engines
Refer to the appropriate engine operator’s manual for information on the
engine oil.
Engine oil and filter recommendations—7.3L Power Stroke engine
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that you:
•Use only engine lubricating oils and oil filters of the proper quality.
•Change the engine oil and filterno laterthan the recommended
service interval. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the
appropriate intervals for changing the engine oil and filter.
•Change your engine oil and filter more frequently if your vehicle
operation includes extended periods of idling or low-speed operation,
driving for a long time in cold temperatures or short driving distances.
Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to resist contamination.
Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency of the crankcase
ventilation system which reduces air pollution.
Use Motorcraft motor oil or an equivalent oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C171–B or API service category designation CH-4/SJ. Do not use
oils labeled with only one of the category designations SG, SH, SJ, CE,
CF-4, CH-4 or CG-4, as they could cause engine damage.
Diesel engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy
conserving) are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil,
be sure it meets Ford specification WSS-M2C171–B or API service
category designation CH-4/SJ and is of the proper viscosity grade for the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. Some
energy conserving oils do not meet the requirements necessary for your
diesel engine.
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Using the chart, determine which SAE viscosity grade best suits the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. The use
of the correct oil viscosity grade for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory engine operation.
A symbol has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine oil. The symbol will be included on
the oil container you purchase.
The top section of the symbol shows
the API service category
designation. This should be CH-4/SJ.
The center section of the API
symbol shows the SAE viscosity
grade.
The lower section of the API symbol will stateenergy conservingif the
engine oil has been proven to have fuel savings capabilities.
Use a Ford engine oil filter, part number FL-1995 or equivalent. This
filter protects your engine by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge
particles.
SAE VISCOSITY GRADES
EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE
F˚ -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 C˚50 60 70 80 90 100
*15W-40 Preferred
10W-30
5W-30
0W-30Preferred
APISERVICECG-4/SHSAE15W-40
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BRAKE FLUID
Checking and adding brake fluid
Check and refill the Hydromax
brake fluid reservoir using the
following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for
the service interval.
1. Clean the reservoir caps before
removal to prevent dirt or water
from entering the reservoir.
2. Visually inspect the fluid level.
3. If necessary, add brake fluid from
a clean un-opened container until
the level reaches MAX. Do not fill
above this line.
4. Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid
certified to meet Ford specifications. Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and specificationschapter.
Brake fluid is toxic. If brake fluid contacts the eyes, flush eyes
with running water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if
irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately.
If you use a brake fluid that is not DOT 3, you will cause
permanent damage to your brakes.
Do not let the reservoir for the master cylinder run dry. This
may cause the brakes to fail.
Brake system fluid should be replaced on a regular basis to maintain
optimum braking performance, especially under heavy-duty driving
conditions such as frequent steep grades or heavy loads. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval.
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AVOID MIXING LUBRICANTS
In some cases, different brands of lubricants are not compatible with
each other and deteriorate when mixed. It is best to stick with one brand
during a maintenance interval.
CLUTCH (IF EQUIPPED)—LINKAGE LUBRICATION
Lubricate the clutch linkage using the following procedure. Refer to the
Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the service interval schedules.
Use a grease which meets Ford specifications. Refer toCapacities and
specifications.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1 (First) and turn the engine off.
2. Remove the inspection cover from the clutch housing.
•Transmission and clutch
removed for clarity.
3. With a grease gun, lubricate the clutch release bearing (at one
location) and the clutch release shaft (at two locations) using the grease
fittings provided.
4. Lubricate clutch release wear pads at the two locations where they
contact the clutch release bearing using a brush or similar tool.
5. Install the inspection cover onto the clutch housing.
CLUTCH FLUID (IF EQUIPPED)
Check the clutch fluid level. Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide
for the service interval schedules.
During normal operation, the fluid level in the clutch reservoir should
remain constant. If the fluid level drops, maintain the fluid level at the
step in the reservoir.
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Use only a DOT 3 brake fluid designed to meet Ford specifications. Refer
toCapacities and specifications.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into 1
(First) and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the reservoir cap before
removal to prevent dirt and water
from entering the reservoir.
4. Remove cap and rubber
diaphragm from reservoir.
5. Add fluid until the level reaches
the step in the reservoir.
6. Reinstall rubber diaphragm and cap onto reservoir.
WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID
Checking and adding washer fluid
Inspect the solution level in the
washer reservoir when insufficient
solution is sprayed.
Use 3.8L (4.0 quarts) of
Ultra—Clear Windshield Washer
Concentrate or a washer fluid that
meets the Ford specification listed.
Refer toLubricant specifications
in theCapacities and
specificationschapter.
State or local regulations on volatile
organic compounds may restrict the use of methanol, a common
windshield washer antifreeze additive. Washer fluids containing
non-methanol antifreeze agents should be used only if they provide cold
weather protection without damaging the vehicle’s paint finish, wiper
blades or washer system.
Do not put engine coolant or antifreeze in the washer fluid
reservoir. Engine coolant or antifreeze can severely reduce
visibility if sprayed on the windshield.
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ENGINE COOLANT
Checking coolant level
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance
Guide for the appropriate intervals
for checking the engine coolant
level. Check the engine coolant level
in the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold.
If the coolant level has not been
checked at the recommended
interval, the coolant reservoir may
become empty. If this occurs, a
STOP ENGINE warning lamp will
illuminate (if equipped).
If necessary, add a mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50%
water (50/50 ratio) to the coolant reservoir to bring the engine coolant
level to within the cold fill range on the reservoir. For more information
on engine coolant, refer toAdding and replacing engine coolantin
this chapter.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot or personal injury may occur.
If you must remove the coolant reservoir cap, follow these steps to avoid
personal injury:
1. Before you remove the cap, turn the engine off and let the engine
cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly
turn the cap counterclockwise until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. Once you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn the cap counterclockwise and remove it.
Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine coolant,
antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified function and
vehicle location.
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Adding and replacing engine coolant-7.3L Power Stroke and
Cummins B engines
Refer to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for service intervals of the
engine cooling system.
Use Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549–AA (in Canada,
Motorcraft CXC-8–B) or a premium engine coolant that meets Ford
specification ESE-M97B44–A. Do not use alcohol or methanol antifreeze.
The use of an improper coolant may cause cooling system and/or engine
damage and may void the warranty of your vehicle’s engine cooling
system.
A mixture of 50% engine coolant concentrate and 50% water (50/50
ratio) is recommended to maintain best overall cooling system
performance. A 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio is acceptable for
extremely cold climates, but the coolant and water mixture must be
returned to a 50/50 ratio at the end of the winter season. To avoid
damaging the cooling system and engine, the coolant and water mixture
should never exceed a 60/40 antifreeze to water ratio.
Operating the engine with insufficient coolant can cause severe
cooling system and engine damage.
When refilling the engine cooling system as part of regular maintenance
or due to service, adhere to the following instructions:
1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil and
rust particles. Always dispose of used automotive fluids following your
community’s standards.
2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant and water mixture
until the level stabilizes within the cold fill range.
3. Reinstall the coolant reservoir cap.
4. Start and idle the engine until the upper radiator hose is warm
(approximately 10–15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm, repeat
this step at a higher engine speed.
5. Once the hose is warm, shut the engine off.
6. Cautiously remove the coolant reservoir cap as previously described,
and add the specified coolant and water mixture until the level stabilizes
within the cold fill range of the coolant reservoir.
7. Reinstall the engine coolant reservoir cap.
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Adding and replacing engine coolant-Caterpillar 3126 B engine
Refer to the engine operator’s manual for engine cooling system
information.
FAN CLUTCHES
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous variable speed
fan clutch.
•The fan clutch helps control cooling, increase performance, improve
fuel economy and reduce noise.
•The fan clutch is controlled by bimetallic spring sensors. Do not
tamper with these sensors as this may change their calibration or keep
the fan clutch from operating at all.
Stay clear of the fan/fan area while the engine is running or
possible personal injury may occur.
CHECKING AND ADDING POWER STEERING FLUID
Checking power steering fluid level
Check the power steering fluid level using the following procedure. Refer
to the Scheduled Maintenance Guide for the recommended service
intervals. If adding fluid is necessary, use only MERCONAT F.
1. Set the parking brake, shift into N
(Neutral) (automatic transmission)
or 1 (First) (manual transmission)
and turn the engine off.
2. Open the hood.
3. Clean the top of the power
steering fluid reservoir.
4. Remove the dipstick from the
reservoir and wipe the dipstick
clean.
5. Reinstall the dipstick. Remove it again and check the fluid level.
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