2013 FORD F750 coolant

STARTING A DIESEL ENGINE
WARNING:Operation of a diesel engine near flammable vapors
in the air may cause the engine speed to increase uncontrollably
and over speed. If this situation occurs, mechanical damage, fire,
explosion, personal injury or death could result.Turning off the
ignition key does not slow or stop the engine due to uncontrollable
fueling of the engine through flammable vapors being drawn into
the engine air inlet.Operation of components such as starter,
alternator, electric motors, etc. and static electricity could also ignite
flammable vapors.
Do not operate the truck in the possible presence of flammable vapors
unless both a complete hazard analysis is performed and necessary
additional safety processes and/or equipment such as vapor testing, air
intake shutoff devices, ventilation, etc. are utilized. The operator is
responsible for using those processes and/or equipment to ensure that
the diesel engine and all other components on the truck can be
operated safely under the specific conditions and hazards that may be
encountered.
WARNING:If equipped with an air intake heater, DO NOT use
ether or any other starting fluids. The use of starting fluids
(ether) in an engine equipped with an air intake heater could cause an
explosion and result in property damage and/or personal injury.
Switch the ignition on and wait until the glow plug indicator
goes off.
Note:You can only operate the starter for a maximum of 30 seconds at
a time. Allow two minutes before cranking the starter again.
Note:On some engines, the glow plug indicator illuminates after the
engine starts. Allow the engine to idle about three minutes, or until the
engine coolant temperature gauge begins to rise. Maintain idle speed
until the glow plug indicator goes off. Operating the engine at higher
speeds reduces the effectiveness of the air inlet heater.
Note:When starting a cold engine, increase the engine RPM slowly to
make sure adequate lubrication is available to the bearings.
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The exhaust outlet assembly on your vehicle is a uniquely functioning
device that accompanies the DPF assembly. It is designed to help control
the temperature of the exhaust during the DPF regeneration process.
The inlet holes in the side of the assembly are functional. These holes
allow outside air to be drawn into the outlet assembly. The holes need to
be kept clear of mud and other foreign material to maintain proper
functionality of the system. One way to keep the holes clear is to spray
the outlet assembly with a hose when washing the vehicle. Failure to
keep the functional holes clear of foreign material may result in the holes
becoming blocked or plugged.
SWITCHING OFF A DIESEL ENGINE
Allow the engine to idle for three to five minutes before shutting it
down; the larger the engine, the greater the need for this idling period.
Note:Try to limit engine idle to 10 minutes. Excessive idling reduces
fuel economy.
ENGINE AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:In the event of engine shutdown, make sure the
vehicle is safely off the road and the problem is remedied prior to
returning to the road. Failure to remove the vehicle from the road
could result in an accident, causing serious injury or death.
This feature either illuminates a light in the instrument cluster or sounds
a chime (or both) indicating that the engine is being shut down in the
event of high coolant temperature, low engine oil pressure, high diesel
particulate filter soot loading or low engine coolant level. In the event
any of these conditions exist, the engine automatically shuts down.
If the engine shuts down, it can be restarted and operated for
30 seconds at a time or until the problem is corrected. Do not attempt to
use this restarting feature to drive the vehicle very far as serious engine
damage could result.
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ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (IF EQUIPPED)
WARNING:Failure to follow engine block heater instructions
could result in property damage or physical injury.
WARNING:Do not use your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters. There is a risk of
electrical shock.
Note:The heater is most effective when outdoor temperatures are below
0°F (-18°C).
The heater acts as a starting aid by warming the engine coolant. This
allows the climate control system to respond quickly. The equipment
includes a heater element (installed in the engine block) and a wire
harness. You can connect the system to a grounded 120–volt A/C
electrical source.
We recommend that you do the following for safe and correct operation:
•Use a 16-gauge outdoor extension cord that is product certified by
Underwriter’s Laboratory or Canadian Standards Association. This
extension cord must be suitable for use outdoors, in cold
temperatures, and be clearly markedSuitable for Use with Outdoor
Appliances.Never use an indoor extension cord outdoors; it could
result in an electric shock or become a fire hazard.
•Use as short an extension cord as possible.
•Do not use multiple extension cords.
•Make sure that when in operation, the extension cord plug and the
heater cord plug connections are free and clear of water. This could
cause an electric shock or fire.
•Make sure your vehicle is parked in a clean area, clear of
combustibles.
•Make sure the heater, heater cord and extension cord are firmly
connected.
•Check for heat anywhere in the electrical hookup once the system has
been operating for approximately 30 minutes.
•Make sure the system is unplugged and properly stowed before driving
your vehicle. Make sure the protective cover seals the prongs of the
block heater cord plug when not in use.
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Parking
WARNING:When parking your vehicle, do not leave the
transmission in gear; if the key is in the on position and the
vehicle rolls, the engine could start. Failure to follow these instructions
could result in an unattended vehicle moving, possibly causing personal
injury or property damage.
Always use the parking brake. When parking on a grade, block the
wheels and turn the front wheels to one side so that if the vehicle rolls,
the front tires act against the curb to stop the vehicle. The front wheels
are more effective at stopping a rolling vehicle than the rear wheels.
Cold Weather
Note:Idling in cold weather does not heat the engine to its normal
operating temperature. Long periods of idling in cold weather can cause
a build-up of heavy deposits of carbon and rust on valve stems causing
them to stick which, in turn, can cause valvetrain damage.
Note:The use of winter fronts, or other air-restrictive devices mounted
in front of the radiator on vehicles with chassis-mounted charge air
coolers, are not recommended unless extremely cold weather conditions
exist. Airflow restriction can cause high exhaust temperatures, power
loss, excessive fan usage and a reduction in fuel economy. If you must
use a winter front, the device should have a permanent opening of at
least 120 square inches (774 square centimeters) directly in line with the
fan hub.
For best engine operation in temperatures of 32°F (0°C) or lower:
•Make sure the batteries are the correct type and are fully charged.
Check other electrical components to make sure they are in optimum
condition.
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine against
damage from freezing.
•If your vehicle is equipped with a water-fuel separator, drain it daily.
Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily operation to prevent
condensation in the fuel system.
•Use the proper engine oil and maintain it at its proper level.
•At temperatures of –4°F (–20°C) or below, it is recommended that
you use a crankcase-mounted coolant heater to improve cold engine
starting.
•If operating in arctic temperatures of –20°F (–29°C) or lower, consult
your truck dealer for information about special cold weather
equipment and precautions.
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Hot Weather
•Use a permanent-type engine coolant to protect the engine 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 into
the next lower gear.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver’s effort in steering the vehicle.
To help prevent damage to the power steering pump:
•Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme
left for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
•Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the ADD mark on the MAX. COLD side of the power steering
reservoir dipstick.
•Some noise is normal during operation. If the noise is excessive,
check for low power steering pump fluid level before seeking service
by your authorized dealer.
•Heavy or uneven steering efforts may be caused by low power
steering pump fluid level. Check for low power steering pump fluid
level before seeking service by your authorized dealer.
•Do not fill the power steering pump reservoir above the FULL mark
on the MAX. HOT side of the power steering reservoir dipstick, as
this may result in leaks from the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, check for:
•underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
•uneven vehicle loading
•high crown in center of road
•high crosswinds
•wheels out of alignment
•loose or worn suspension components.
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2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add engine oil
that meets Ford specifications. SeeCapacities and Specifications
for more information. Remove the engine oil filler cap and use a
funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
normal operating range on the engine oil level dipstick.
4. Install the dipstick and make sure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise until three clicks are heard or until the cap is fully seated.
ENGINE COOLANT CHECK
Diesel Engine
See your engine operator’s manual for information on checking and
adding engine coolant.
Fan Clutches
WARNING:Stay clear of the fan and fan area while the engine is
running or possible personal injury may occur.
Your vehicle’s cooling system is equipped with a viscous fan clutch
which:
•Helps control cooling, increases performance, improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
•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.
Gasoline Engine
Checking the Engine Coolant
The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked at the
intervals listed in theScheduled Maintenancechapter.
Note:Make sure that the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on
the coolant reservoir.
Note:Coolant expands when it is hot. The level may extend beyond the
MAX mark.
If the level is at the MIN mark, add coolant immediately. SeeAdding
engine coolantin this section.
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Note:For best results, coolant concentration should be tested with a
refractometer such as Rotunda tool 300-ROB75240E available from your
dealer. Ford does not recommend the use of hydrometers or coolant test
strips for measuring coolant concentrations.
Note:Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.
Adding Engine Coolant
WARNING: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.
WARNING: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.
WARNING:To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief cap.
The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come
out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
WARNING:Do not add coolant further than the MAX mark.
Note:
Do not use stop leak pellets or cooling system sealants or additives
as they can cause damage to the engine cooling and heating systems. This
damage would not be covered under your vehicle’s warranty.
Note:During normal vehicle operation, the engine coolant may change
color from orange to pink or light red. As long as the engine coolant is
clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine
coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be
drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
•DO NOT MIX different colors or types of coolant in your vehicle.
Make sure the correct coolant is used. Mixing of engine coolants may
harm your engine’s cooling system. The use of an improper coolant
may harm engine and cooling system components and may void the
warranty.
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•In case of emergency, a large amount of water without engine coolant
may be added in order to reach a vehicle service location. In this
instance, the cooling system must be drained, chemically cleaned with
Motorcraft® Premium Cooling System Flush, and refilled with prediluted
engine coolant as soon as possible. Water alone (without engine coolant)
can cause engine damage from corrosion, overheating or freezing.
•Do not use alcohol, methanol, 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.
Unscrew the cap slowly. Any pressure escapes as you unscrew the cap.
Add prediluted engine coolant meeting the Ford specification.
SeeCapacities and Specificationsfor more information.
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 prediluted engine coolant to bring the coolant
level to the proper level.
Recycled Engine Coolant
Ford Motor Company does not recommend the use of recycled engine
coolant since a Ford-approved recycling process is not yet available.
Always dispose of used automotive fluids in a responsible manner. Follow
your community’s regulations and standards for recycling and disposing
of automotive fluids.
Severe Climates
If you drive in extremely cold climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer increase the
coolant concentration above 50%.
•A coolant concentration of 60% provides improved freeze point
protection. Engine coolant concentrations above 60% decrease the
overheat protection characteristics of the engine coolant and may
cause engine damage.
If you drive in extremely hot climates:
•It may be necessary to have a Ford authorized dealer decrease the
coolant concentration to 40%.
•A coolant concentration of 40% provides improved overheat
protection. Engine coolant concentrations below 40% decrease the
corrosion and freeze protection characteristics of the engine coolant
and may cause engine damage.
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