Replacing antifreeze with a Ford Focus 3
Content
The original antifreeze has a long service life. But when we buy a used Ford Focus 3, we don't always know what's inside. Therefore, the best decision made will be to replace the coolant.
Stages of replacing coolant Ford Focus 3
To completely replace the antifreeze, flushing the system will be required. This is done primarily to completely remove the remnants of the old fluid. If this is not done, the new coolant will lose its properties very quickly.
The Ford Focus 3 was built with an extensive range of Duratec branded petrol engines. Also in this generation, turbocharged and direct injection engines called EcoBoost began to be installed.
In addition to this, diesel versions of the Duratorq were also available, but they received slightly less popularity. Also, this model is known to users under the name FF3 (FF3).
Regardless of the type of engine, the replacement process will be the same, the difference is only in the amount of fluid.
Draining the coolant
We will drain the liquid from the well, so it will be more convenient to get to the drain hole. We wait a bit until the engine cools down, during this time we will additionally prepare a container for draining, a wide screwdriver and proceed:
- We unscrew the cover of the expansion tank, thus eliminating excess pressure and vacuum from the system (Fig. 1).
- We go down into the pit and unscrew the protection, if you have it installed.
- At the bottom of the radiator, on the driver's side, we find a drain hole with a plug (Fig. 2). We substitute a container under it and unscrew the cork with a wide screwdriver.
- We check the tank for deposits, if any, then remove it for flushing.
Draining antifreeze on the Ford Focus 3 is carried out only from the radiator. It is impossible to drain the engine block using simple methods, since the manufacturer did not provide a hole. And the remaining coolant will greatly degrade the properties of the new antifreeze. For this reason, rinsing with distilled water is recommended.
Flushing the cooling system
Flushing the cooling system with ordinary distilled water is quite simple. The drain hole is closed, after which water is poured into the expansion tank to the level, and the lid is closed on it.
Now you need to start the car so that it warms up completely, then turn it off, wait a bit until it cools down, and drain the water. It may be necessary to repeat the procedure up to 5 times to completely remove the old antifreeze from the system.
Washing with special means is carried out only with severe contamination. The procedure will be the same. But there are always more up-to-date instructions on the packaging with a detergent.
Filling without air pockets
After flushing the system, a non-draining residue remains in it in the form of distilled water, so it is best to use a concentrate for filling. To properly dilute it, we need to know the total volume of the system, subtract from it the volume that was drained. And with this in mind, dilute to get ready-to-use antifreeze.
So, the concentrate is diluted, the drain hole is closed, the expansion tank is in place. We begin to fill in antifreeze with a thin stream, this is necessary in order for air to escape from the system. When pouring in this way, there should be no air lock.
After filling between the MIN and MAX marks, you can close the cap and warm up the engine. It is recommended to heat with an increase in speed up to 2500-3000. After full warm-up, we wait for cooling and once again check the fluid level. If it falls, then add it.
Frequency of replacement, which antifreeze to fill
According to Ford documentation, filled antifreeze does not require replacement for 10 years, unless unforeseen breakdowns occur. But in a used car, we cannot always understand what the previous owner completed, and even more so when. Therefore, the best solution would be to replace antifreeze after purchase, in principle, like all technical fluids.
When choosing antifreeze for Ford Focus 3, Ford Super Plus Premium brand fluids should be preferred. Firstly, it is fully compatible with the models of this brand. And secondly, it is available in the form of a concentrate, which is very important after washing with water.
As analogues, you can use the Havoline XLC concentrate, in principle the same original, but under a different name. Or choose the most suitable manufacturer, as long as the antifreeze meets the WSS-M97B44-D tolerance. Coolstream Premium, which is also supplied to carriers for initial refueling, has this approval from Russian manufacturers.
How much antifreeze is in the cooling system, volume table
| Model | Engine power | How many liters of antifreeze is in the system | Original liquid / analogues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford approach 3 | 1.6 gasoline | 5,6-6,0 | Ford Super Plus Premium |
| 2.0 gasoline | 6.3 | Airline XLC | |
| diesel 1.6 | 7,5 | Coolant Motorcraft Orange | |
| diesel 2.0 | 8,5 | Premium Coolstream |
Leaks and problems
Like any other car, the Ford Focus 3 may experience malfunctions or leaks in the cooling system. But the system itself is quite reliable, and if you take care of it regularly, no surprises will happen.
Sure, the thermostat or pump can fail, but that's more like normal wear and tear over time. But often leaks occur due to a stuck valve in the tank cap. The system builds up pressure and leaks at the weakest point.
