On vehicles with auxiliary signaling system, the expansion tank contains a longitudinal vehicle roll sensor, which turns on the hazard warning lamp if the coolant level drops significantly.
When starting a cold engine, coolant circulates around the engine block, cylinder head(s), and exhaust manifold. Warm coolant passes through the automatic choke housing (if equipped) and through the heater before returning to the engine.
As the coolant expands, the level in the expansion tank rises. The coolant flow through the radiator is closed, which ensures that the thermostat is closed. When the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature, the thermostat opens and the hot coolant flows through the upper hose to the radiator. As the coolant flows down through the radiator, it is cooled by the oncoming air flow. The coolant continues to circulate through the expansion tank, exhaust manifold and heater continuously.
The hydraulic fan clutch is controlled by the air temperature behind the radiator. When the air temperature reaches a predetermined level, the bimetallic spiral opens the valve and the silicon liquid is supplied through the clutch blade system. The leading part of the clutch is located on the same shaft as the water pump, the driven part of the clutch is connected to the fan blades. The clutch blades are designed so that the torque is transmitted to the fan blades depending on the viscosity of the liquid, which in turn depends on the ambient temperature and engine speed. Therefore, the fan only operates when required and, compared to a constantly running fan, significantly saves fuel, reduces wear on the drive belt and reduces fan noise.
Radiator and expansion tank
The cross-flow radiator has tanks made of artificial material. The expansion tank is made of transparent material and has markings for the maximum and minimum coolant levels. In cars equipped with an automatic transmission, the right radiator tank contains the automatic transmission oil cooler (oil-coolant type).
An expansion tank with an overpressure valve that effectively seals the cooling system both when the coolant temperature rises and when it falls. The expansion tank also has a degassing function. Any accumulation of air bubbles in the coolant, thermostat housing and radiator returns to the expansion tank and is released into the atmosphere, thus maintaining the efficiency of the coolant.
On vehicles with an auxiliary signaling system, the expansion tank contains a longitudinal vehicle roll sensor, which turns on the hazard warning lamp if the coolant level drops significantly.
| Opening pressure of the excess pressure valve in the expansion tank cap: | |
| – OHC and DOHC engine | 85 – 110 kPa |
| – V6 engine | 100 – 140 kPa |
Coolant pump
The centrifugal coolant pump, located on the front wall of the cylinder block, is driven by a V-belt together with the generator.
V-belt
| Brand and type | Motorcraft 83 HF 6 C 301 AA |
| Tension (measured with Ford special fixture): | |
| - new belt | 400 – 500 N |
| - used belt | 300 – 400 N |
| Sag | 10mm in the middle of the longer section under thumb pressure |
Fan
The OHC engine fan is made of synthetic material, has seven blades, is located on the coolant pump shaft and is driven by a V-belt together with the pump and generator.
The DOHC engine fan is electrically driven by a temperature sensor located in the radiator drain plug.
Thermostat
The thermostat is located behind the water outlet pipe on the front of the cylinder head on OHC models and on the front of the water pump on V6 models.
| Opening start temperature: | |
| – OHC and DOHC engine | 85 – 89°C |
| – V6 engine | 79 – 83°C |
| Nominal opening temperature | 88°C |
| Full opening temperature | 102±3°C |
Coolant
| Quantity: | |
| - OHC engine | 8.0 dm³ |
| - DOHC engine with carburetor | 7.9 dm³ |
| – DOHC engine with injection system | 7.3 dm³ |
| – V6 engine | 8.5 dm³ |
| Type | a mixture of special antifreeze liquid Ford SSM 97 B 9103 A and distilled water (50% each) provides protection up to -30°C |
| Coolant density | 1.069 – 1.077 g/cm³ |
| Replacement frequency | every 60,000 km of vehicle mileage or once every two years |