2003 FORD SUPER DUTY adding oil

4. Protecting yourself from engine
heat, pull out the dipstick, wipe it
clean and reinsert fully.
5. Read oil level on both sides of dipstick and use highest level (reading)
for the actual engine oil level.
6. Maintain the oil level between ADD and OPERATING RANGE on the
dipstick by adding oil as required. The distance from ADD to
OPERATING RANGE on the dipstick represents 1.9L (2 quarts). Do not
overfill. If the oil level exceeds OPERATING RANGE, oil consumption
may result.
Engine oil specifications
To help achieve proper engine performance and durability, it is important
that only engine lubricating oils of the proper quality are used in your
Diesel engine and that the engine oil is changedno laterthan the
recommended interval. Diesel engines require specially formulated oil to
resist contamination. Proper quality oils also provide maximum efficiency
of the crankcase ventilating system which reduces air pollution.
For normal or severe service, use Motorcraft oil or an equivalent oil
conforming to Ford Specification WSS-M2C171–D or API Service
categories CI-4, CI-4/SL or DHD-1. If CI-4 oil is not available, CH-4 is
acceptable..
Engine oils with improved fuel economy properties (energy conserving)
are currently available. If you use an energy conserving oil, be sure it
meets the recommended Ford Specification,APIservice categories and
SAE viscosity grades listed in the Lubricant and Maintenance Materials
Specifications chart. Some energy conserving oilsdo notmeet the
requirements necessary for your Diesel engine.
General maintenance information
28

REPLACING THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT
When replacing the air filter element, use the Motorcraft air filter
element listed. Refer toLubricant and maintenance materials
specificationsin this supplement.
Failure to use the correct air filter element may result in severe
engine damage.
1. Remove air filter element from the housing, taking care to prevent dirt
from falling into the engine air intake.
2. Clean the air filter housing and cover to ensure good sealing.
3. Install a new air filter element. Be careful not to crimp the filter edges
between the air filter housing and cover. This could cause damage to the
air filter element and possible severe damage to the engine.
When servicing the air filter, always be sure that the auxiliary
hose is not kinked or obstructed. Failure to do so may result in
severe engine damage when driving through deep water and/or
encountering unusually heavy precipitation conditions.
ENGINE COOLANT
Checking engine coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
mileage intervals listed in the scheduled maintenance guide. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and water, which
equates to a freeze point of -36°C (-34°F). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester (such as the
Rotunda Battery and Antifreeze Tester, 014–R1060). The level of coolant
should be maintained at the“cold full”of“cold fill range”level in the
coolant reservoir. If the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions
in theAdding engine coolantsection.
Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly.A
50/50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
•freeze protection down to -36°C (-34°F).
•boiling protection up to 129°C (265°F).
•protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
•enables calibrated gauges to work properly.
General maintenance information
31

Replacing coolant
A coolant mixture of 50% coolant concentrate and 50% water is
recommended to maintain best overall performance. To avoid damaging
the engine and radiator, the coolant concentrate should not exceed 60%.
When refilling the coolant system either as part of the regular
maintenance (refer to the scheduled maintenance guide), or due to
service performed, adhere to the following instructions:
1. Drain and flush the cooling system to remove dirt deposits, oil, rust
particles.
2. Fill the coolant reservoir with the specified coolant/water mixture until
the level stabilizes at the top hose fitting. Replace and tighten cap. Fill
the coolant bottle to the cold fill mark.
3. Reinstall the coolant bottle cap.
4. Start and idle engine until the radiator upper hose is warm
(approximately 10–15 minutes). If the hose does not get warm then
repeat at a higher engine speed.
5. Immediately shut off engine. Allow engine to cool before removing
coolant bottle cap. Cautiously remove coolant bottle cap and add coolant
to Cold Fill mark.
Recycled engine coolant
Ford Motor Company does NOT recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant in vehicles originally equipped with Motorcraft Premium Gold
Engine Coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Used engine coolant should be disposed of in an appropriate
manner. Follow your community’s regulations and standards for recycling
and disposing of automotive fluids.
Coolant refill capacity
To find out how much fluid your vehicle’s cooling system can hold, refer
toRefill capacitiesin this chapter.
Fill your engine coolant reservoir as outlined inAdding engine coolant.
Severe climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates (less than–36°C[–34°F]):
•it may be necessary to increase the coolant concentration
above 50%.
•NEVER increase the coolant concentration above 60%.
General maintenance information
35