Gentlemen,

I'm adding coolant to my 2000 XP (EB, 5.4l, auto).

I have theHaynes - it says : "add new coolant to the expansion tank up to the Full Hot mark."

What "Full Hot mark"??? My expansion tank only has a "Coold Fill Range" upper and lower marks. I've been all 'round the expansion tank - no other fill marks.

So I found the Ford shop manual online, and it says "Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks." Once again - no such thing on my tank.

So now I'm stumped.

Thanks.

 

Just fill it up to the cold fill mark- I usually go to the upper line, then check it after you fire it up and let it run for a few.....it will burp a little air and you will have to top it off...but wait for it to cool.

 

OK, I hate to sound dumb as a post - my excuse is I'm tired - but, fill it up to the Cold Fill Range with the engine cold or hot? You mean I have to start with a cold engine, fill to the marks, run it to hot, then let it sit and cool again before I know if it's filled right? And then - with the expansion tank cap on or off? ('Cause I''ve noticed that the level changes when you remove the cap due to the pressure)

 

Understood----Yes, fill it with the engine off to the top line, then close the cap, start the engine and let it reach operating temperature (so the thermostat opens allowing the coolant to flow, then shut it off, let it cool and top it off.....after the first drive, check the level as it might push a little more air out.

That's not to say that after the initial fill, you can't start the engine, let it reach operating temp and then finish filling, but, there are a few potential hazards if you are not use to doing it this way, so while the other way takes a little more time, it is much safer for both you and the engine.