Speedometer:Indicates the
current vehicle speed.
Engine coolant temperature
gauge:Indicates engine coolant
temperature. At normal operating
temperature, the needle will be in
the normal range (between“H”and
“C”).If it enters the red section,
the engine is overheating. Stop
the vehicle as soon as safely
possible, switch off the engine
and let the engine cool.
Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is
running or hot.
Odometer:Registers the total
kilometers (miles) of the vehicle.
Trip odometer:Registers the
kilometers (miles) of individual
journeys. To reset, depress the
control.
H
C
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Instrumentation
25
Hot weather operation
•Keep the engine cooling system filled with a clean, permanent coolant
solution to protect against damage from overheating.
•Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent condensation
in the fuel system.
•Keep external surfaces of the engine, radiator, charge air cooler, A/C
condenser and accessories clean to avoid dirt build-up.
Above normal coolant temperatures could be experienced while driving
in a transmission gear ratio which lugs the engine. To correct this
problem, engine speed should be increased by downshifting in to the
next lower gear to increase engine RPM.
Starting a turbocharged engine with the vehicle on a steep grade
When starting a naturally aspirated Diesel engine when the loaded
vehicle is on a grade, the engine RPM will start to fall slightly when the
clutch is engaged, but quickly recovers as the vehicle begins moving.
Turbocharged Diesel engines act differently; once the clutch is engaged,
the engine RPM will fall significantly. When the engine RPM first falls, do
not disengage the clutch and try to increase engine RPM as this may
damage driveline components. After the initial drop in engine RPM, the
engine will recover by itself and accelerate in a normal manner.
GENERAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
•Start the vehicle in motion by using the highest gear speed in the
transmission that will let the engine easily start the load without
slipping the clutch.
•Accelerate smoothly and evenly; rapid acceleration increases fuel
consumption without increasing engine performance.
•When approaching a hill, depress the accelerator smoothly to start the
incline at full power, then shift down as needed to maintain vehicle
speed.
•When going down a hill, or long steep grades, prevent over-speeding
of the engine. The engine governor has no control over engine speed
when it is being pushed by a loaded vehicle.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Driving
89
Driving through water
If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable, proceed very
slowly especially if the depth is not known. Never drive through water
that is higher than the bottom of the hubs (for trucks) or the bottom of
the wheel rims (for cars). Traction or brake capability may be limited
and your vehicle may stall. Water may also enter your engine’s air intake
and severely damage your engine.
Once through the water, always dry the brakes by moving your vehicle
slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. Wet brakes do
not stop the vehicle as quickly as dry brakes.Driving through deep
water where the transmission vent tube is submerged may allow
water into the transmission and cause internal transmission
damage.
HYDRAULIC BRAKES (IF EQUIPPED)
Your service brakes are self-adjusting. Refer to theGeneral
Maintenance Informationfor scheduled maintenance.
Occasional brake noise is normal and often does not indicate a performance
concern with the vehicle’s brake system. In normal operation, automotive
brake systems may emit occasional or intermittent squeal or groan noises
when the brakes are applied. Such noises are usually heard during the first
few brake applications in the morning; however, they may be heard at any
time while braking and can be aggravated by environmental conditions
such as cold, heat, moisture, road dust, salt or mud. If a“metal-to-metal,”
“continuous grinding”or“continuous squeal”sound is present while
braking, the brake linings may be worn-out and should be inspected by a
qualified service technician.
If you are driving down a long or steep hill, shift to a lower gear.
Do not apply your brakes continuously, as they may overheat
and become less effective.
IF BRAKES DO NOT GRIP WELL
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Driving
91
Continuous application of the brakes will cause the brakes to
overheat, resulting in a temporary loss of braking.
Occasional or intermittent brake squeal or groan may result from
environmental conditions such as cold, hot, wet, snow, salt, mud, etc.
This condition will not affect braking effectiveness. The brakes should be
checked only if squeal occurs continuously with every application.
If brakes do not grip well
•If you have been driving through deep water, gently apply the brakes
several times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
•Let the brakes cool if you have been using them excessively, as in
mountain driving or after several fast, high speed stops.
•Check brake adjustment.
•Check brake linings for excessive wear.
•Check system air pressure.
Air brake reservoir draining
Failure to drain air brake reservoirs can result in a reduction or
loss of braking ability due to fluid accumulation in the reservoir
and/or possible freeze-up during cold weather.
Drain all the air brake reservoirs
daily, completely to 0 kPa/psi, by
opening the draincock at the ends
of the tanks (where accessible.
Pull-chains are used when the
drains are undercab or otherwise
inaccessible). Close draincock after
complete draining. Air tanks
equipped with automatic moisture
ejector valves may also be drained
manually as required to maintain a
dry air system. Contact your dealer if you are unsure of the air reservoir
locations or the draining procedure.
Air brakes
After starting the engine, give the air compressor time to build up the air
pressure to 414 kPa (60 psi) before moving the vehicle.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Driving
98
Do not add engine coolant when the engine is hot. Steam and
scalding liquids released from a hot cooling system can burn you
badly. Also, you can be burned if you spill coolant on hot engine parts.
Do not put engine coolant in the windshield washer fluid
container. If sprayed on the windshield, engine coolant could
make it difficult to see through the windshield.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
2. When the engine is cool, wrap a thick cloth around the coolant
pressure relief cap on the coolant reservoir (an opaque plastic bottle).
Slowly turn cap counterclockwise (left) until pressure begins to release.
3. Step back while the pressure releases.
4. When you are sure that all the pressure has been released, use the
cloth to turn it counterclockwise and remove the cap.
5. Fill the coolant reservoir slowly with the proper coolant mixture (see
above), to within the“cold fill range”or the“cold full”level on the
reservoir. If you removed the radiator cap in an overflow system, fill the
radiator until the coolant is visible and radiator is almost full.
6. Replace the cap. Turn until tightly installed. (Cap must be tightly
installed to prevent coolant loss.)
After any coolant has been added, check the coolant concentration (refer
toCoolant condition inspectionlater in this section). If the
concentration is not 50/50 (protection to–34°F/–36°C), drain some
coolant and adjust the concentration. It may take several drains and
additions to obtain a 50/50 coolant concentration.
Whenever coolant has been added, the coolant level in the coolant
reservoir should be checked the next few times you drive the vehicle. If
necessary, add enough 50/50 concentration of engine coolant and
distilled water to bring the liquid level to the proper level.
If you have to add more than 1.0 liter (1.0 quart) of engine coolant per
month, have your dealer check the engine cooling system. Your cooling
system may have a leak. Operating an engine with a low level of coolant
can result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
171
Extended life engine coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with yellow-colored
Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant meeting Ford Specification
WSS-M97B51–A1.
•Add Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant
(yellow-colored), VC-7–A (VC-7–B in Oregon).
Note:Use of Motorcraft Cooling System Stop Leak Pellets, VC-6, may
darken the color of Motorcraft Premium Gold Engine Coolant from
yellow to golden tan.
•
Do not add/mix extended life coolants such as Motorcraft
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, VC-2 (U.S.) or CXC-209
(Canada), meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44–D, with the
factory-fill coolant, Motorcraft Premium Gold Coolant meeting
Ford Specification WSS-M97B51–A.Mixing Motorcraft Speciality
Orange Engine Coolant or any equivalent extended life engine coolant
with this factory-fill coolant can result in degraded corrosion protection.
•A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
•
Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol and
other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or freezing.
•Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
•Do not mix with recycled coolant unless from a Ford-approved
recycling process (seeUse of Recycled Engine Coolantsection).
Coolant condition inspection
Engine cooling systems should be checked twice a year to assure proper
glycol/water concentrations. a 50/50 mixture is recommended and
provides freeze protection in weather conditions as low as–36°C (-34°F)
as well as optimum corrosion protection. For vehicle operating in
extremely cold climate, a concentration of 60% ethylene glycol will
provide freeze protection in weather conditions as low as–51°C (-59°F).
Concentrations greater than 60% glycol are not recommended.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
172
Engine coolant capacities and part numbers
For cooling system capacities, refer toRefill capacitiesin this chapter.
For coolant part numbers, refer toLubricant specificationsin this
chapter.
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%.
•Engine coolant concentrations above 60% will decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate freeze protection at the temperatures in which you
drive in the winter months.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It is still necessary to maintain the coolant concentration
above 40%.
•NEVER decrease the coolant concentration below 40%.
•Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
corrosion protection characteristics of the engine coolant and
may cause engine damage.
•Engine coolant concentrations below 40% will decrease the
freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
•If available, refer to the chart on the coolant container to
ensure the coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide
adequate protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
173
Use low sulfur (less than 0.05% by weight) fuel as required by the EPA
for emission compliance.
Do not mix diesel fuel with gasoline, gasohol or alcohol. This
could cause an explosion resulting in personal injury.
Do not use starting fluid such as ether or gasoline. Such fluids
can cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and
possible personal injury.
Running out of fuel
Avoid running out of fuel as this will allow air to enter the fuel system,
which will make restarting the vehicle difficult.
If you have run out of fuel:
•If your vehicle is equipped with dual fuel tanks,add at least
15–19 liters (4–5 gallons) of fuel to each tank before attempting to
restart the engine.
•If your vehicle is equipped with the Caterpillar engine,the fuel
system must be primed before attempting to restart the engine. Refer
to the engine operator’s manual for instructions on priming the engine.
•Use caution not to overheat and damage the starterby cranking
the engine for an excessive period of time. You may need to crank the
engine for a longer time than normal. If the engine fails to start in 30
seconds, turn the ignition to the OFF position and wait for two
minutes before cranking the engine again.
•Any remaining trapped air will self-purge from the fuel system once
the engine starts running.
•The engine may run rough and produce white smoke while air is in
the fuel system. This is normal and should stop after a short period of
time.
Fuel and lubricant additives
It should not be necessary to add any aftermarket fuel or lubricant
additives to your fuel tank if you use a properly formulated Diesel fuel
that meets the ASTM D 975 industry specification. Malfunctions
attributed to the use of such additives or failure to follow recommended
fuel or lubricant recommendations may not be covered under your
warranty.
2004 F650/750(f67)
Supplement
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and specifications
186