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Cooling System Flushing - Diesel Engine

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford RV Cutaway, 2009 Ford Econoline, 2009 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2009 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SPECIAL TOOL CHART

G06139350Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) software with appropriate hardware, or equivalent diagnostic tool
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

Item Specification
Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner VC-9 -
Motorcraft® SAE 15W-40 Super Duty Diesel Motor Oil
XO-15W40-QSD (US); CXO-15W40-LSD12 (Canada); or equivalent
WSS-M2C171-E
NOTE: This procedure should be used to clean and flush the diesel cooling system to make sure that all rust is removed from the system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in engine damage.
NOTE: If oil or fuel is present in the cooling system, refer to the appropriate Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that pertain to 6.0L diesel engine cooling system concerns and follow the procedure outlined. Failure to remove all contaminants from the cooling system may result in engine damage.
    WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
  1. Once pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
  2. Remove the thermostat housing assembly. For additional information, refer to THERMOSTAT - 6.0L DIESEL .
  3. Position the thermostat housing assembly in the vise. Press down on the thermostat crossbar and rotate the thermostat to remove it from the thermostat housing assembly.
    Fig 1: Rotating Thermostat To Remove
    G06139351Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  4. Install the thermostat housing without the thermostat. For additional information, refer to THERMOSTAT - 6.0L DIESEL .
  5. NOTE: The RH cylinder block drain plug is not removed at this time.
    Fig 2: Locating LH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
    G06139352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Remove the LH cylinder block drain plug and drain the cylinder block of coolant.
  7. NOTE: Lightly lubricate the O-ring seal on the cylinder block drain plug with clean engine oil before installing.
  8. Install the LH cylinder block drain plug.
    • Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
      Fig 3: Locating LH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
      G06139352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  9. NOTE: For vehicles with auxiliary climate control or commercial vehicles with auxiliary heaters, use 2.83L (3 qt) of Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9).
    NOTE: The use of excessive Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9) can lead to gelling.
  10. Fill the cooling system with water and 1.89L (2 qt) of Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9).
  11. NOTE: Failure to allow the engine to run for one hour will result in insufficient cleaning of the cooling system.
  12. Using the scan tool, use the active command and set the engine rpm to 1,175. Run the engine for one hour.
  13. WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
  14. Once pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
  15. Remove the LH cylinder block drain plug.
    Fig 4: Locating LH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
    G06139352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  16. Remove the starter. For additional information, refer to STARTING SYSTEM - DIESEL article.
  17. Remove the RH cylinder block drain plug.
    Fig 5: Locating RH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
    G06143337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  18. NOTE: Failure to flush all the Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9) from the cooling system will result in shortened coolant protection against corrosion.
  19. Flush the cooling system with clean water through the degas bottle to completely remove the Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9) from the cooling system.
    • Flush the cooling system with clean water until no foam or discoloration is draining from the cooling system.
  20. Backflush the heater core. For additional information, refer to HEATER CORE BACKFLUSHING .
  21. NOTE: Failure to flush all the Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9) from the cooling system will result in shortened coolant protection against corrosion.
  22. Flush the cooling system with clean water through the degas bottle to completely remove the Motorcraft® Engine Cooling System Iron Cleaner (VC-9) from the cooling system.
    • Flush the cooling system with clean water until no foam or discoloration is draining from the cooling system.
  23. Close the radiator draincock.
  24. NOTE: Do not fill the cooling system at this time.
    NOTE: Replace the thermostat housing assembly O-ring seal.
  25. Install the thermostat. For additional information, refer to THERMOSTAT - 6.0L DIESEL .
  26. NOTE: Lightly lubricate the O-ring seal on the cylinder block drain plug with clean engine oil before installing.
  27. Install the RH cylinder block drain plug.
    • Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
      Fig 6: Locating RH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
      G06143337Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  28. Install the starter. For additional information, refer to STARTING SYSTEM - DIESEL article.
  29. NOTE: Lightly lubricate the O-ring seal on the cylinder block drain plug with clean engine oil before installing.
  30. Install the LH cylinder block drain plug.
    • Tighten to 20 Nm (177 lb-in).
      Fig 7: Locating RH Cylinder Block Drain Plug
      G06139352Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  31. Fill the cooling system. For additional information, refer to COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING, FILLING AND BLEEDING .