Diesel Data: Automotive Repair
Home >> Ford Truck >> 1983 >> E 250 Van V8-460 7.5L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Technical Service Bulletins >> All Technical Service Bulletins >> Recall - Fuel/Exhaust/Cooling Systems Inspection >> Safety Recall 87M53 Supplement to Kit Installation Instructions >> Vehicle Inspection >> I - Primary Vehicle Inspection - Vehicle On Ground >> Overview

I - Primary Vehicle Inspection - Vehicle On Ground: Overview

Record on the inspection sheet the item number of the discrepancy observed and also write the repair directions on the inspection sheet.

FIGURE 1:




OK NOT 1. Vehicle Grille Area for Obstruction to Engine Cooling Air Flow
OK
[ ] [ ] The cooling inlet area forward of the radiator core in open sheet metal areas (shown shaded in Figure 1),
should be free of added accessories such as spare tires, emergency lights, or sirens larger than approximately 75 square inches (two 6 x 6 inch squares or two 7 inch diameter circles). Such objects may reduce cooling system effectiveness and lead to engine overheating or excessive engine compartment temperatures. Debris on radiator fins, engine and transmission oil cooler fins, or on air conditioning condenser fins will restrict air flow to the radiator. Such debris should be removed. Additionally, bug screens either in front of or behind the grille, will restrict airflow, but should be removed only with operator consent. Note any radiator obstructions on the inspection sheet regardless of size, note the size of the obstruction and recommend to the operator that component(s) obstructing an area larger than 75 square inches be relocated to an area not forward of the radiator. Contact the Ford Parts and Service Division District Office (FPSO) if you have any questions concerning needed corrections.
OK NOT 2. Obstruction of Engine Air Cleaner Inlet in Grille OK [ ] [ ] Bumper - or grille-mounted accessories such as sirens, emergency lights, or driving lights should not cause significant blockage of the air inlet to the engine air cleaner opening located in the lower right area of the radiator mounting panel shown in Figure 1. Accessories which encroach into the area forward of the inlet approximately 2.5 square inches at least 1/2" forward of the inlet and/or less than five square inches with the rear surface of the accessory at least three inches forward of the inlet have been evaluated and found not to adversely affect engine operation. If more than the specified area is shielded by accessories, note on the inspection sheet the approximate square inch area of the inlet opening that is shielded and the approximate distance forward of the inlet at which the accessories are mounted. Contact the FPSO District Office if you have any questions regarding the extent of the air inlet area that is shielded.
OK NOT 3. Radiator Installation for Correct Radiator Application OK
[ ] [ ] If the vehicle is equipped with aftermarket - installed air conditioning, a radiator of sufficient cooling capacity
also should have been provided. Table 1 shows the correct Ford radiator application by model year. Check the radiator in the vehicle to determine if it has an equal or greater number of tubes and fins per inch than that shown in the table. Only note on the inspection sheet if the radiator has less than the specified number of tubes and fins. Contact FPSD District Office if you have any questions concerning needed corrections.



TABLE 1

FIGURE 2 - CORRECT COOLING FAN AND SHROUD RELATIONSHIP:




NOT 4. Engine Cooling Fan for Correct Fan, Fan Clutch, Fan Mounting and Fan Shroud OK OK
[ ] [ ] The correct Ford installed fan is 20-1/2 inches in diameter, has five steel blades, and is mounted on a viscous
fan clutch. The vehicle must be equipped with a fan shroud. The correct location of the fan relative to the fan shroud is shown in Figure 2. Deviations from these components may reduce cooling system capability or adversely affect durability of engine front drive components, such as the water pump. Under no circumstances should a fan smaller than 20-1/2 inches in diameter or having less than five steel blades be installed. If you have any questions concerning a particular vehicle configuration or needed repairs, contact the FPSD District Office and note any discrepancies on timing inspection sheet.

Accessory drive belts should not be cracked, frayed, or glazed. Paired belts should have equal tension. Used belts must be adjusted to the "used belt" tension specified in the Ford Shop Manual.

NOTE: Do not attempt to repair worn or damaged fan related components - all such components must be replaced.

FIGURE 3:




NOT 5. Electric Choke Wiring for Correct Voltage at Choke With Engine Running
OK OK
[ ] [ ]

The electric choke cap is connected to the stator terminal of the alternator which provides approximately

seven to eight volts when the engine is running. If a non-Ford alternator has been installed, provision must be made for a similar connection.

Check for correct voltage at the choke cap terminal, as shown in Figure 3, with the engine operating. If zero voltage is measured or if full battery voltage is measured, determine cause and correct. The choke should open with a warm engine. If you require assistance, contact the FPSD District Office. Note on the inspection sheet if the voltage measured is incorrect. Repairs need to be arranged by the owner with the supplier of the alternator or the ambulance manufacturer.

FIGURE 4:




NOT 6. Rear of Vehicle for Full Width Mud Flaps Which Obstruct Air Flow Under Vehicle
OK OK
[ ] [ ] An unrestricted undercarriage is necessary to provide needed ventilation to the exhaust system and fuel tank
areas. Full width mud flaps, as shown in Figure 4, are not acceptable as they restrict air flow in both stationary and moving operation. Mud flaps which are only the width of the rear wheels are acceptable. Full width mud flaps should be removed, replaced or modified only with the consent of the owner. Note on the inspection sheet if the owner will not permit such modifications or if modifications are made.

FIGURE 4:




FIGURE 5:




NOT 7. Sides of Vehicle for Low Hanging Non-Vented Running Boards Which Obstruct Air Flow Under Vehicle OK OK
[ ] [ ] An unrestricted undercarriage is necessary to provide needed ventilation to the exhuast system and fuel tank
areas. Full length, low hanging, non-vented running boards, as shown in Figure 4, should be avoided since they will restrict air flow in both stationary and moving operation. If more than a 3 inch vertical wall exists below the rolled section of rocker (refer to Figure 5), note it on the inspection sheet and provide either directions to raise the running boards or to add six (6) 2-1/2 inch diameter ventilation holes on approximately 7 inch centers. Vertical walls in excess of 3 inches are permissible on ambulances based on cutaways which have only cab length running boards.
NOT 8. Obstructions to Air Flow Around Carburetor and Fuel Lines OK OK
[ ] [ ] Non-Ford equipment, wiring and plumbing, that is installed in the engine compartment should not
significantly restrict air flow from the engine fan around the carburetor, carburetor fuel lines, and air cleaner. If added equipment does not significantly restrict visibility in the area in front of the carburetor and fuel lines, air flow to the area should be acceptable. Cowl mounted devices inside the engine compartment, such as, radiator overflow reservoirs, do not appear to obstruct air flow around the carburetor. Indicate the need for corrections on the inspection sheet. Contact the FPSD District Office if you have any questions concerning needed corrections.

FIGURE 6:




NOT 9. Fuel Tank Filler Caps for Correct Ford or Equivalent Filler Cap Application and No Added Vent Holes or OK OK Other Modifications [ ] [ ] Fuel caps with increased venting capacity shown in Figure 6, are provided on 1985-1/2 and later vehicles.
High flow caps with the two step retention are recommended. Caps that have been modified, e.g., have added vent holes, must be replaced. Check both caps on dual tank vehicles. The increased capacity vented cap can be installed on 1983-1985 model vehicles for improved fuel tank venting and high flow caps with two step retention are included with the Ford Service Kit No. E3TZ-9000-A. Motorcraft locking caps are not high flow and should not be used. Non-Ford caps must be marked as equivalent to the Ford cap venting specifications in order to vent the fuel tanks at the design levels. If a replacement Ford cap is required but will not fit the filler pipe, contact the ambulance manufacturer due to his unique knowledge of his product. Indicate the need for corrections on the inspection sheet. Contact the FPSO District Office if you have any questions concerning needed corrections.
Diesel-Data.com