What is ford f150 cooling system diagram? [explained]

A car’s engine burns fuel, such as gasoline and uses the power for driving. In other words, it converts thermal energy into kinetic energy to run. This process wastes 60% of the energy in the air as heat, even with current technology. And the engine’s cooling system does this smoothly. 

As the name suggests, the Ford f150 cooling system diagram is a mechanism for cooling the Ford f150’s engine with the help of water. It controls the engine’s temperature and does not let the heat get too high or too low. The water temperature gauge displayed in the meter indicates the temperature of the cooling water.

In this article, I will discuss the Ford f150 cooling system, its working process, what problems it can face, the reasons behind issues, and how to fix them. 

Ford F150 Cooling System Diagram

If you start your cold Ford F-150’s engine, the coolant will only be able to make a limited cycle due to the size of the engine’s cooling water jacket and the heater radiator. Until the engine achieves operating temperature, the thermostat will be closed.

Since less coolant is circulating in a tighter loop, the engine can achieve operating temperature more quickly. Once the coolant reaches its operational temperature, the thermostat will open, and the coolant will begin to circulate from the top to the bottom of the radiator.

ford f150 cooling system diagram
Credit: cars.com

Ford F150 engine’s waste heat is dissipated to the outside air via the radiator, blown by a reverse airflow. The thermostat prevents the engine from overheating by keeping the coolant at a safe temperature. 

The coolant in a Ford F150 travels around a huge circle, beginning in the right radiator tank, passing through the water pump, and finally entering the cylinder block and blockhead at working temperature. 

F150’s open thermostat sends most of the coolant back to the left radiator tank while the radiator of the heater processes the rest. This thermostat in a Ford F-150 shuts off until the coolant temperature reaches a certain level, protecting the engine from damage.

Parts of Ford F150 Cooling System Mechanism

Ford F150 truck’s  cooling system is intended to keep the engine at the proper operating temperature. This cooling system consists of the following components: a radiator, radiator fan, thermostat, and expansion tank. 

Cooling system’s pipes and hoses are the components that allow the liquid to circulate. F150’s  engine temperature determines the direction in which the coolant circulates.

Thermostat 

Thermostats are valves that open and close automatically to regulate engine cooling water flow (LLC) flow in vehicles like the Ford F-150. It keeps the engine at a steady temperature.

Parts of Ford F150 Cooling System Mechanism
Credit: samarins.com

The set points range from 85 to 90° C and 99 to 102° F. The operational thermostats have a 3° C tolerance. Valve spring expansion and compression are controlled by the thermostat, a closed thermoelement filled with specific wax. Its valve opens only when the temperature is high enough to operate the machine.

Radiator

Ford F-150s have a cooling system with a radiator and a top called a radiator cap. The radiator expels heat from the engine into the air. It is more than just a lid; it controls the pressure within the cooling system to stop leaks. Its usefulness may decline as it ages.

Radiator Parts of Ford F150
Credit: themechanicalengineering.com

In addition, F150’s radiator has two tanks linked by a series of thin tubes. Accordion-shaped plates are fitted between the tubes to enhance the cooled surface area, removing the surplus heat and releasing it to the incoming airflow. Both the top and bottom crossbars support the radiator.

The expansion Tank 

From the driver’s seat, look beneath the right side of the hood. The necessary amount of coolant for the cooling system’s circulation is added. Valves on the top of the expansion tank regulate the pressure within and outside of the tank.

Cooling Fans and Cooler belts 

You’ll need these crucial components to transport your equipment in a Ford F150 with ease and pleasure. Problems with the air conditioner, power steering, and even the car’s electrical system could result from broken or worn-out belts. After around 30,000 km, we advise that you get a new one.

Cooling Liquid 

F150’s coolant in the cooling system is made up of antifreeze and water, just like it is in the Focus. Regarding coolant, Ford recommends a 50/50 mix of antifreeze (ESDM-97B49-A) and water. It is all required to drive the car in temperatures as low as -30 ° C.

When the cooling liquid is chilled to -38 ℃, it has a jelly-like consistency. Most coolants lose their effectiveness after four years and must be replaced. When refueling, use the coolant recommended by Ford.

How Does A Ford F150 Cooling System Work?

Ford F150 engine requires a suitable temperature between the extremes of hot and cold. Therefore, the Ford f150 cooling system needs to control the engine temperature in high and low heat. In addition, you can also check the status of the cooling system through the engine’s “water temperature gauge” displays, which regulate the engine’s temperature.

When the engine loses enough heat: After starting the engine, the liquid only flows in a small circle through the stove’s radiator. It helps the engine and the inside of the Ford F-150 warm up quickly in the cold.

When the engine reaches 60-80 degrees: When the Ford F-150 engine reaches a normal operating temperature between 60 and 80 degrees, the valve opens up a little to make a big circle. It lets some liquid flow into the radiator and releases heat through it. 

When the engine reaches 100 degrees: When the engine temperature of 100 degrees is reached, the Ford F-150 thermostat fully opens, letting all of the liquid in the radiator flow.

Simultaneously, the Ford F-150’s radiator fan starts. It improves the rate at which hot air is dissipated from the space between the radiator’s cells.

Ford F150 Cooling System Common Problems and Solutions

The engine cannot attain its optimum temperature regime because of numerous cooling system failures. Overheating the engine increases the risk of a quick breakdown, as it does not get warm enough to function.

Ford F150 pickup trucks’ internal combustion engines feature a hybrid cooling system that incorporates both liquid and air cooling. Below are some typical problems with the Ford F150’s cooling system and how to fix them.

Cooling Fan Malfunctioning

For air cooling, a fan circulates cool air through the engine compartment and blows on the engine to dissipate excess heat. The designated fan turns on when the unit reaches the desired temperature.

However, drivers frequently notice whether the cooling fan is activated or runs continuously before the engine reaches the desired temperature. As a result, the control unit detects a fault in the cooling system.  

If this is the case, you should go for a professional mechanic for the repair. Also, you must reset the errors once the repair is completed. If you disconnect the battery terminal for a few minutes or have diagnostic equipment, you can reset the ECU and resolve the problem.

Cooling System Leak

You may have a cooling system leak if you constantly add more coolant to keep it running. If the cylinder head gasket is leaking, you should also smell “mayonnaise” near the engine oil cap. In this regard, you can try to fix the licking by tightening the gasket or replacing the cylinder. 

Dead Calorstat

This part’s job is to only turn on engine cooling when the engine is at the right temperature. If it doesn’t work, the coolant won’t go into the engine, and your Ford F 150 will get hot. Examine its current status and go for a professional repair. 

Clogged Radiator

Extremely unclean or blocked radiators are unusual, but they might cause your Ford F-150 to overheat on hot days. It happens because the radiator’s cooling fins can’t do their job if the fluid within is dirty.

A Death Cooling Fan

It is essential to check the functionality and state of the cooling fan, which is crucial for cooling the engine at low speeds. Due to a slow speed caused by a mechanical failure, your Ford F150 may heat up. If you find out that your cooling fan is no longer working, then replace the fan with a new one. 

Damaged Water Pump

The job of a water pump in the cooling system is to keep your Ford F 150 from overheating by circulating coolant through the system. If this process is interrupted, your truck will heat up. A loose belt may have caused a broken pump. If this is the case, go for professional help.

Conclusion

If your Ford F-150 begins to overheat, you should have it checked out right away. You should not mislead yourself into believing you can handle it in the future, as doing so will almost certainly result in unavoidable engine damage.

Overheating in a Ford F-150 is typically caused by flaws in the cooling system. If the Ford F-150 fan does not turn on when the temperature reaches a certain level, the first step is to ensure that the fuse is not blown and inspect the fan and its wiring.

The failure of the temperature sensor (thermostat) may, however, indicate a more systemic problem. If you don’t, you could end up with a broken filler cap valve, a leaking radiator, or a non-functioning pump in your Ford F-150. If the problem persists after replacing the coolant, the air plug is most likely to blame.

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