02 ford focus coolant question?

Question

what is the proper way to refill the cooling system of an 02 ford focus w/ 2.0 SOHC. there is no actual radiator cap except for the cap on the resevoir tank. The Haynes manual says something about disconnecting the heater hose from the engine side and pouring it directly into the hose til it fills the engine, however I've had a couple of mechanics tell me that's not the way. I'm a bit confused. Any suggestions? Thanks

Answer 1

Dear Focus-

Your mechanic friends would be correct. In these newer vehicles there are specific ways in which to refill your coolant level.

If you have recently had a cooling system service performed on this vehicle, the only thing you need do is refill the reservior. The cooling system will pull the coolant into the system as it needs it. This happens as the system cools down from operation, as it cools it creates a vacuum and the coolant is drawn from the reservior into the engine and radiator.

This is normally what I tell my customers. I supply them with an extra gallon of premixed coolant, and tell them that once they have reached their final destination for the day, lift the hood and top off the reservior until its completely full. Then check the fluid level following morning. Only add the coolant until it reaches the "Full Hot" mark on the bottle. The bottle may also just state a "Full" level.

If the system has only drawn the fluid down to the "Full" mark in the morning when you go out to check, then you are done.

If you are constantly re-filling the reservior, then you may have another issue that needs diagnosis. Normally coolant on the ground under the vehicle indicates a leak. Steam coming from the tail pipe AFTER the engine has reached operating temprature may indicate that you have an internal issue such as a Blown Head Gasket or Cracked Cylinder Head.

Not that this is the case.

I hope that helps.