Ford Low Cab Forward (Ford year). Manual — part 31

* Heavy duty trailer towing with ambient temperatures above 50°F
(10°C) requires 15W-40 engine oil.

Using the chart, determine which SAE viscosity grade best suits the
temperature range in which you expect to operate your vehicle. The use
of the correct oil viscosity grade for diesel engines is important for
satisfactory engine operation.

A symbol has been developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API)
to help you select the proper engine oil. The symbol will be included on
the oil container you purchase.

The top section of the symbol shows
the API service category
designation; this should be CJ-4 or
CJ-4/SM.

The center section of the API
symbol shows the SAE viscosity
grade.

Use a Ford engine oil filter, part number FL-1995, or equivalent. This
filter protects your engine by filtering harmful, abrasive or sludge
particles.

Maintenance and Specifications

126

BATTERY

Your vehicle is equipped with two Motorcraft maintenance-free batteries
which are mounted in a covered tray and located on the right frame rail.

Maintenance-free batteries do not normally require adding additional
water.

If the batteries have a cover or shield, make sure the cover or
shield is reinstalled after the battery has been cleaned or
replaced.

For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the batteries clean
and dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened
to the battery terminals.

It is recommended that the negative battery cable terminal be
disconnected from the battery if you plan to store your vehicle for an
extended period of time. This will minimize the discharge of your battery
during storage.

If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.

Batteries normally produce explosive gases which can cause
personal injury. Therefore, do not allow flames, sparks or lighted

substances to come near the battery. When working near the battery,
always shield your face and protect your eyes. Always provide proper
ventilation.

When lifting a plastic-cased battery, excessive pressure on the
end walls could cause acid to flow through the vent caps,

resulting in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or battery.
Lift the battery with a battery carrier or with your hands on opposite
corners.

Keep batteries out of reach of children. Batteries contain sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Shield your eyes

when working near the battery to protect against possible splashing of
acid solution. In case of acid contact with skin or eyes, flush
immediately with water for a minimum of 15 minutes and get prompt
medical attention. If acid is swallowed, call a physician immediately.

Maintenance and Specifications

127

Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and
lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

Always dispose of automotive
batteries in a responsible manner.
Follow your local authorized
standards for disposal. Call your
local authorized recycling center to
find out more about recycling
automotive batteries.

ENGINE COOLANT

Checking engine coolant

The concentration and level of engine coolant should be checked twice a
year to ensure proper glycol/ water concentrations. The coolant
concentration should be maintained at 50/50 coolant and distilled water,
which equates to a freeze point of -34°F (-36°C). Coolant concentration
testing is possible with a hydrometer or antifreeze tester. The level of
coolant should be maintained at the full mark in the coolant reservoir. If
the level falls below, add coolant per the instructions in the Adding
engine coolant section.

Your vehicle was factory-filled with a 50/50 engine coolant and water
concentration. If the concentration of coolant falls below 40% or above
60%, the engine parts could become damaged or not work properly. A
50–50 mixture of coolant and water provides the following:
• Freeze protection down to -34°F (-36°C).
• Boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
• Protection against rust and other forms of corrosion.
• Enables calibrated gauges to work properly.

L

E

A

D

RETURN

RECYCLE

Maintenance and Specifications

128

The engine coolant reservoir is
located behind the passenger side of
the cab. When the engine is cold,
check the level of the engine
coolant in the reservoir.

The reservoir has two see-through
level indicators on it. The top
indicator is the full mark; the
bottom indicator is the ADD mark. If
engine coolant is visible through
either indicator it will appear as
yellow (or gold) in color. The
reservoir level should be kept so
that engine coolant is visible at the
top indicator (full mark).

• The engine coolant should be at the full mark as shown on the engine

coolant reservoir (depending upon application).

• Refer to the scheduled maintenance information for service interval

schedules.

• Be sure to read and understand Precautions when servicing your

vehicle in this chapter.

If the engine coolant has not been checked at the recommended interval,
the engine coolant reservoir may become low or empty. If the reservoir is
low or empty, add engine coolant to the reservoir. Refer to Adding
engine coolant in this chapter.

Note: Automotive fluids are not interchangeable; do not use engine
coolant, antifreeze or windshield washer fluid outside of its specified
function and vehicle location.

Adding engine coolant

Note: The engine coolant reservoir requires air space for expansion
volume. The proper fill level is identified on the reservoir; do not overfill
the reservoir.

Maintenance and Specifications

129