CLEANING THE ENGINE
Engines are more efficient when they
are clean because grease and dirt
buildup keep the engine warmer than
normal.
When washing:
•
Take care when using a power
washer to clean the engine. The
high-pressure fluid could penetrate
the sealed parts and cause
damage.
• Do not spray a hot engine with cold
water to avoid cracking the engine
block or other engine components.
• Spray Motorcraft® Engine
Shampoo and Degreaser on all
parts that require cleaning and
pressure rinse clean. In Canada,
use Motorcraft® Engine Shampoo.
• Never wash or rinse the engine
while it is hot or running; water in
the running engine may cause
internal damage.
• Never wash or rinse any ignition
coil, spark plug wire or spark plug
well, or the area in and around
these locations.
• Cover the battery, power
distribution box, and air filter
assembly to prevent water
damage when cleaning the engine. CLEANING THE WINDOWS
AND WIPER BLADES
The windows and wiper blades should
be cleaned regularly. If the wipers do
not wipe properly, substances on the
vehicle
’s glass or the wiper blades
may cause squeaking or chatter noise
from the blades, and streaking and
smearing of the windshield.
To clean these items, follow these
tips:
• The windows may be cleaned with
a non-abrasive cleaner such as
Motorcraft® Ultra-Clear Spray
Glass Cleaner.
• The wiper blades can be cleaned
with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or
Motorcraft® Premium Windshield
Washer Concentrate in the U.S., or
Premium Quality Windshield
Washer Fluid in Canada. Be sure
to replace wiper blades when they
appear worn or do not function
properly.
• Do not use abrasives, as they may
cause scratches
• Do not use fuel, kerosene, or paint
thinner to clean any parts.
286
Vehicle Care
All motor vehicles and their
components were engineered and
tested for reliable, regular driving.
Long term storage under various
conditions may lead to component
degradation or failure unless specific
precautions are taken to preserve the
components.
General
•
Store all vehicles in a dry,
ventilated place.
• Protect from sunlight, if possible.
• If vehicles are stored outside, they
require regular maintenance to
protect against rust and damage.
Body
• Wash vehicle thoroughly to
remove dirt, grease, oil, tar or mud
from exterior surfaces, rear-wheel
housing and underside of front
fenders.
• Periodically wash vehicles stored
in exposed locations.
• Touch-up raw or primed metal to
prevent rust
• Cover chrome and stainless steel
parts with a thick coat of auto wax
to prevent discoloration. Re-wax
as necessary when the vehicle is
washed.
• Lubricate all hood, door and trunk
lid hinges, and latches with a light
grade oil.
• Cover interior trim to prevent
fading.
• Keep all rubber parts free from oil
and solvents. Engine
•
The engine oil and filter should be
changed prior to storage, as used
engine oil contain contaminates
that may cause engine damage.
• Start the engine every 15 days. Run
at fast idle until it reaches normal
operating temperature
• With your foot on the brake, shift
through all the gears while the
engine is running.
Fuel system
• Fill the fuel tank with high-quality
fuel until the first automatic
shutoff of the fuel pump nozzle.
Note: During extended periods of
vehicle storage (30 days or more), fuel
may deteriorate due to oxidation. Add
a quality gas stabilizer product to the
vehicle fuel system whenever actual or
expected storage periods exceed 30
days. Follow the instructions on the
additive label. The vehicle should then
be operated at idle speed to circulate
the additive throughout the fuel
system.
Cooling system
• Protect against freezing
temperatures.
• When removing vehicle from
storage, check coolant fluid level.
Confirm there are no cooling
system leaks, and fluid is at the
recommended level.
290
Vehicle Care
