Coolant Loss maybe Mystery

[5thranger]

The Funnel works well on older autos with a radiator cap.

Well, I just ran out a took a peek under the hood... No old school radiator cap! Just the overflow tank that appears to be pressurized under load. So this funnel system is not appropriate for 5G Rangers.

This is what happens when you keep your cars for 15-20 year cycles.... a lot changes!

I am not certain that you can fill the system correctly without using a vacuum system to do it. I know what Ford says, but I have seen cars hold air pockets for long periods of time.

Update: just found this video of a fellow who could not purge the air from his 2020 Ranger.

He finally took it in and had a vacuum fill to correct. Cost him ~$350

I long for the simple wrenching days!

I have the vacuum fill as well but still did the procedure like above.

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[TJC]

Good to know. How many cycles were required?

Ford at least mounted the tank well above the engine, which helps a great deal.

When I change out the coolant I run distilled water though it until it comes out as clean as it went in. Distilled water isn't that expensive.

Then add coolant followed by distilled water. I don't bother with 50/50 mix.

 

[5thranger]

Good to know. How many cycles were required?

Ford at least mounted the tank well above the engine, which helps a great deal.

When I change out the coolant I run distilled water though it until it comes out as clean as it went in. Distilled water isn't that expensive.

Then add coolant followed by distilled water. I don't bother with 50/50 mix.

I do the same use distilled water to get everything as much as possible flushed out. I will do that twice. My Edge has 3.5 V6 and I serviced cooling system first time at 30,000 miles because of the water pump issues they have. Two cycles with distilled then put in 50/50 then run that procedure twice.

 

[LawnMM]

Here's a link to the funnels that I use to do the job. They are inexpensive and work well

Radiator Funnels Amazon

There are many choices some with extensions if needed

I'll look into this, thanks TJ

From The Ranger Manual:

This procedure is for a Drain & Fill, so it is perceived that you are starting with a cold or cool engine (Thermostat Closed)

1. Turn off climate control
2. Start Engine (From Cold)
3. 3500 RPM for 30-Seconds
4. Engine OFF - 1-Minute
5. Check (Coolant Level) - Ensure at Max
6. Start Engine and IDLE until (Normal Operating Temp) - Thermostat - OPEN

6. 3500 ROM for 30-Seconds
7. Idle - 30-Seconds
8. Engine - Off - 1-Minute
9. Check Coolant Level - Ensure at Max

Repeat - Steps (6-9) for a total of 10 Times

Note: This is the basic procedure, and I have not done this on a newer Ford as I am used to having a bleeder port for this process along with my Vacuum Fill Tool. Since the Ranger does not have that installed, this is the process they provide.
I will say that (unless you have some serious air in the system) the total of 10 times may not be needed.

Thanks buddy

In a normal world the service tech would have insured the coolant system was topped off and all air purged. But we no longer live in a normal world. I have witnessed shoddy service far too many times.

Indeed, or we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Long story short they pressure tested it, all was well. I'm going to look into one of these funnels for the radiator cap.

There is a cap it's just not what older folks are used to seeing. I believe it's the small galvanized nipple with the black cap front of the bay to the left of the fan.

 

[airline tech]

I'll look into this, thanks TJ

Thanks buddy

Indeed, or we wouldn't be having this conversation.

Long story short they pressure tested it, all was well. I'm going to look into one of these funnels for the radiator cap.

There is a cap it's just not what older folks are used to seeing. I believe it's the small galvanized nipple with the black cap front of the bay to the left of the fan.

Good to hear - no leaks

Are you talking about this Cap?

This is the HP Service Port for the AC System - Not Cooling System

The Cap on the Coolant Reservoir - Is the only Cap in the system

 

[LawnMM]

Good to hear - no leaks

Are you talking about this Cap?

This is the HP Service Port for the AC System - Not Cooling System

Beat like a rented mule, I don't get home till tomorrow morning figured that was it but was going to double check the manual

Are radiator has no access?! Bizarre

 

[shovelhd]

Are radiator has no access?! Bizarre

This is very common in many modern vehicles. Access is provided through the radiator hoses and overflow tank.

 

[airline tech]

This is very common in many modern vehicles. Access is provided through the radiator hoses and overflow tank.

The reason is - older vehicles the coolant recovery tank was simply overflow and suction feed back to the radiator. (Non-Pressurized) Tank with a simple plastic cap - just like the Washer Fluid

Newer Vehicles the Coolant Reservoir is Pressurized along with the Cooling System.

 

[LawnMM]

Helps decide which tool to buy at least, I want the one that hooks up to the degas bottle so it's easier to do a pressure test at home if necessary.

 

[airline tech]

Helps decide which tool to buy at least, I want the one that hooks up to the degas bottle so it's easier to do a pressure test at home if necessary.

For a Reference - as these come it kits - Amazon / Harbor Freight Etc or Loan A Tool from Auto Parts Stores.

I just added adaptors to my Snap-On (Pressure Tester) now 36 Years Old, have never had an issue with it.
So instead of buying another kit for the correct adapters - I just sourced them separately and these (2) adaptors fit the Ranger - Reservoir and Cap.

You need to ensure that you are using the correct adapter, as when you install it (if incorrect) it can damage the threads on the reservoir.
The design difference in the adapters can be subtle but still have the same thread size, note the nipple extension on the (Left) adaptor

It is a balance over quality as the cheaper kits can give false readings (Leak Down) from the tool itself. Moreso the kits with the QD (Quick Disconnects)
I have tried these cheaper kits, and they lacked quality and leaked, when leak checking a cooling system - a quality tool is essential.

The Mac Adapter - RA10052 - Reservoir Adapter (Left)
The Snap-On - TAB1C053 - Cap Adapter (Right)

 

[ControlNode]

The Funnel works well on older autos with a radiator cap.

Well, I just ran out a took a peek under the hood... No old school radiator cap! Just the overflow tank that appears to be pressurized under load. So this funnel system is not appropriate for 5G Rangers.

This is what happens when you keep your cars for 15-20 year cycles.... a lot changes!

I am not certain that you can fill the system correctly without using a vacuum system to do it. I know what Ford says, but I have seen cars hold air pockets for long periods of time.

Update: just found this video of a fellow who could not purge the air from his 2020 Ranger.

He finally took it in and had a vacuum fill to correct. Cost him ~$350

I long for the simple wrenching days!

Vacuum kit from Harbor Freight is not bad. I bought one when I was doing my Focus' coolant refresh.

 

[TJC]

Vacuum kit from Harbor Freight is not bad. I bought one when I was doing my Focus' coolant refresh.

Perfect for coolant refresh. I tend to flush the system with several gallons of distilled water before refilling with antifreeze. Run ti on 100% distilled water, then such out the water via vacuum ki and replace with coolant mix.... A little bit OCD!

 

[ControlNode]

Perfect for coolant refresh. I tend to flush the system with several gallons of distilled water before refilling with antifreeze. Run ti on 100% distilled water, then such out the water via vacuum ki and replace with coolant mix.... A little bit OCD!

I did the same for the car since I was also going from Euro Orange spec the car was shipped with and still running to the new gold since I can't get Orange from Ford anymore.

 

[RangerBill]

I did the same for the car since I was also going from Euro Orange spec the car was shipped with and still running to the new gold since I can't get Orange from Ford anymore.

Motorcraft yellow coolant is the replacement for the orange Motorcraft. See attachment.

 

[TxOTRRanger]

@LawnMM, you are in my prayers.
Keep fighting!
Take care and be safe!

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