TB Cooling Problems

[Smedley]

The outcome looks good so far. No leaks or overheating yet. I had the OEM part fitted, and chatted with the mechanic about their process. He was quite interested in the comments from here Id printed out, I think he was quite impressed by the groups knowledge. He did confirm they use the vacuum system to ensure no air is in the system. He wasnt aware of a specific burping procedure from Ford.

I would like to get my hands on the Ford manual if anyone knows a good source, it looks like most are around $175 on ebay for the original workshop manual, Im wary of getting some kind of fake one on a usb or CD, suggestions welcome!. Looking at their reviews, emanualsonline do not seem to have stellar customer service, and they make you download some kind of app to be able to use their manual. Lots of frustrated people there.

I will say that this for me was a win for civility. The shop fully covered this under warranty (I did paid for difference of the extra cost of the OEM part). On my first visit I discovered by chatting up the manager, she had a liking for Irish Whisky. So when I returned to ask if they would fit the OEM part under warranty, I came armed with a 5th of Proper Twelve, turns out it was her birthday, so that earned me a hug. They completely took care of me. (thanks to a bit of civility and Conor McGregor)

cheers!

[007Cruiser]

Nicely played, Smedley

[BillyL]

I hope that does fix that problem. Like I said, I am still wary of the bird's plastic cooling parts, even the OEM parts since my overheating experience last year. I routinely check for leaks and check the level in the degas bottle before and after every trip to assure maintaining the max level. I had purchased my 2004 Ford Workshop Manual online from another bird owner for $100.00 years ago. You may want to post a "want to buy" thread on the forum as the manuals do come up for sale occasionally.
FYI. The coolant filling procedure is listed under; Engine Cooling, General Procedures, Cooling System Draining, Filling, and Bleeding. Pages 303-03-12,13,14. It is a detailed 15 step procedure with pictures. I wish I was more computer literate so I could post it for you. What they call bleeding is what most of us refer to as burping.
i also found a youtube video on adding coolant to a 2004 Lincoln LS with the same engine as in our birds. Not as detailed as in the manual, but basic to what I do if adding coolant and/or routine maintenance checks for air freeing the system. https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrE...3vPjUV_Kztfp4-

[Edsblackbird]

Had overheating problems for a year. Replace the thermostat and heat sensor, but didn't help. Had dealership do a pressure test and they said the plastic overflow was leaking at the bottom. Replaced that and still had overheating and coolant dripping on the ground. After watching the "burping" video posted here I followed the procedure three times and it seems to work. Doesn't overheat now and overflow holds the coolant.

The overflow did have a crack in it that was probably pushing coolant out when it was under pressure, but looks like the mechanic didn't bleed the system when he replaced it. Try bleeding the system before replacing the expensive stuff.

Heres the new link for the bleeding procedure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26QV51gFaw