Cooling System, Cleaning

Cooling System Flush Procedure

Radiator Installed

NOTE: When disposing of used coolant, always do so in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

To remove rust, sludge and other foreign material from the cooling system, use Ford Premium Cooling System Flush F1AZ-19A503-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M14P7-A. Flush system using Rotunda Cooling System Flusher 106-00010 Flush Kit Hardware Package 106-R0011, and Drain Kit 106-R0015 or equivalent. Removal of such material restores cooling efficiency and avoids overheating.

Always remove the water thermostat (8575) prior to pressure flushing. A pulsating or reversed direction of flushing water flow will loosen sediment more quickly than a steady flow in the normal direction of coolant flow. In severe cases where cleaning solvents will not properly clean the cooling system for efficient operation, use the pressure flushing method. Various types of flushing equipment are available.

Do not back-flush cooling systems that have a water shutoff valve in the heater system, or damage to the valve can result.

Radiator Removed

1.  CAUTION: Radiator internal pressure must not exceed 138 kPa (20 psi). Damage may result.

   Back-flush radiator (8005). Position a high-pressure water hose in lower radiator hose location and back-flush.

2. Remove water hose connection (8592) and water thermostat as outlined.

3. Back-flush engine (6007). Position high-pressure hose into engine through water thermostat and back-flush engine.

Heater Core Back-Flushing

All engine cooling system flushing and back-flushing procedures must include a separate back-flushing of the heater or air conditioning/heater system heater core (18476), after the flushing or back-flushing of the engine cooling system. This will prevent engine cooling system particles from clogging the heater core tubes and reducing (or eliminating) coolant flow through the heater core.

The heater core must be back-flushed separately from the engine cooling system for proper back-flush water flow direction through the heater core.

1. The correct heater core back-flushing procedure is as follows:

   On F-Series and Bronco vehicles, disconnect the outlet heater water hose (18472) from the water pump fitting and install a female garden hose-end fitting adapter in the end of the outlet heater water hose. Secure with a hose clamp (8287).

2. Connect the female garden hose-end of the outlet hose clamp to the male end of a water supply garden hose.

3. Disconnect the heater core inlet hose clamp from the engine block fitting and allow to drain onto suitable container.

4. If a heater water control valve (18495) is installed in the heater core inlet hose clamp, check to be certain the heater water control valve is open (no vacuum).

5. Turn the water supply valve on and off several times so that the surge action will help to dislodge larger stubborn particles from the tubes. Allow full water pressure to flow for approximately five minutes.

6. If a heater water control valve is installed in the heater core inlet hose clamp, apply vacuum to the water valve vacuum motor to make sure heater water control valve operates and closes properly to prevent water leakage. Replace the heater water control valve if required.

7. Remove the heater water hose and female garden hose-end adapter from the end of the outlet hose clamp and connect the outlet hose clamp onto the water pump fitting.

8. Connect the inlet heater hose onto the engine block fitting.

9. Fill the cooling system as described in Cooling System, Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.

10. Test the system for proper heater performance.