Engine Cooling — Inspection And Verification

Block heater (if equipped)

Restricted airflow through the A/C condenser/radiator Drive belt loose, worn or installed incorrectly Broken or weak drive belt tensioner Excessive white or light gray exhaust smoke (may have burnt coolant odor) Coolant in engine oil Engine oil in coolant

7. If the inspection reveals an obvious concern that can be readily identified, repair it as necessary.

8. Inspect the coolant condition.

1. Inspect the coolant color.

Discoloration may indicate that incorrect coolant may have been added to the system. Use of incorrect (green or yellow in color) coolant degrades the corrosion protection of Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant. Addition of Motorcraft® Specialty Green Engine Coolant may cause the color to appear to be a murky green-brown color. The addition of Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant, however, may not change the color or appearance of the orange-colored coolant. Detection of contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is determined by the presence of nitrite. If contamination with Motorcraft® Gold Antifreeze/Coolant is suspected, test the coolant with the 3-Way HD Antifreeze Coolant Test Kit. Follow the nitrite testing directions in the kit to determine if nitrite is present in the system. If nitrite is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. REFER to: Cooling System Draining and Vacuum Filling .

A darker orange with the presence of debris could indicate a commercially available stop leak may have been used and could result in loss of coolant flow to critical parts of the engine. If sediment is present, flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. REFER to: Cooling System Draining and Vacuum Filling .

A light or reddish brown color indicates that rust may be present in the cooling system. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. REFER to: Cooling System Draining and Vacuum Filling .

An iridescent sheen on top of the coolant could indicate a trace of oil is entering the system. For engine diagnosis, REFER to: appropriate Engine article. Flush the system and refill with the correct mixture of distilled water and Motorcraft® Orange Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrated. REFER to: Cooling System Draining and Vacuum Filling .