Your Vehicle: 2001 Ford Escort ZX2 L4-2.0L DOHC VIN 3
 
Vehicle » Engine, Cooling and Exhaust » Cooling System » Heater Core » Service and Repair » Backflushing - Heater Core  
 
 
  Backflushing - Heater Core  
 

Backflushing-Heater Core

  1. All engine cooling system flushing and back flushing procedures must include a separate backflushing of the heater core after the flushing or backflushing of the engine cooling system to prevent engine cooling system particles from clogging the heater core tubes and reducing (or eliminating) coolant flow through the heater core. The heater core must be backflushed separately from the engine cooling system. For correct backflush, water flow should be in the direction opposite of normal coolant flow through the heater core.
  2. The correct heater core backflushing procedure is as follows:
    • Disconnect the heater core outlet heater hose from the water pump fitting and install a female garden hose-end fitting adapter in the end of the outlet heater hose. Secure with a hose clamp.
    • Connect the female garden hose end of the outlet heater hose to the male end of a water supply garden hose.
    • Disconnect the heater core inlet heater hose from the cylinder block fitting and allow to drain into a suitable container.
    • If a water valve is installed in the heater core inlet heater hose, check to be certain the water valve is open (no vacuum).
    • Turn the water supply valve on/off several times so that the surge action will help to dislodge larger stubborn particles from the heater core tubes. Allow full water pressure to flow for approximately five minutes.
    • If a water valve is installed in the heater core inlet heater hose, apply vacuum to the water valve vacuum motor to ensure correct operation of the water valve and correct closure with no water leakage. Install a new water valve if required.
    • Remove the hose clamp and female garden hose-end adapter from the end of the outlet heater hose. Reconnect the outlet heater hose onto the water pump fitting.
    • Connect the inlet heater hose onto the cylinder block fitting.
    • Fill the engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Motorcraft Premium Engine Coolant VC-4-A (CXC-10 in Canada, VC-5 in Oregon) or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESE-M97B44-A and water.
    • Test the system for correct heater performance with the specified engine cooling system conditions.