New to me 3.5 EB Police Interceptor - PTU help needed

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wcd978

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Hey guys. I just picked up a 3.5L EcoBoost PI with 86k and 1600 idle hours. The trans fluid, coolant and rear diff fluid were changed recently by the previous owner but not the PTU fluid. It has a "cooled PTU' I think since I can see a temp sensor thing + heat shield.

The plan is to do the vent hose fill method, but I can't get any sort of real grip or reach on the vent cap. I've pulled and twisted a bit but worried about pulling the vent tube off the PTU unit itself. I can't even get pliers down there.

What do I need to take out of the way in order to get at it? I've taken off the intake hose and air box but there are other things in the way. I'm a newbie to the EcoBoost, I've owned 4.6 2v cars for my entire driving life.
 
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BradM

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If you are trying to remove the hose from the white check valve and twisting doesn't work, you can make a small cut along the hose where the hose connects to the check valve. This releases the grip. You'll need to cut off this small section once you're done (about 1/2 inch). I've filled two PTU's, one at the check valve and one at the port on the PTU. Either way works but you'll need to access the port from underneath. I liked this method better but I have a lift.
 

J persons

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If you have a lift, you can access the top of the PTU from behind the Left front wheel. I added a longer rubber vent tube and use a large syringe for refilling. With this, I can refill from the top.
 

kryptto

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If you have a lift, you can access the top of the PTU from behind the Left front wheel. I added a longer rubber vent tube and use a large syringe for refilling. With this, I can refill from the top.
i have heard of using a long extension 3/8" to reach the cap from the wheel well. Then using an extraction pump, then refill through the cap. Either way putting aluminum foil around the downpipe, and gaining reach access is another way.
 

Texas Marauder

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i have heard of using a long extension 3/8" to reach the cap from the wheel well. Then using an extraction pump, then refill through the cap. Either way putting aluminum foil around the downpipe, and gaining reach access is another way.
That will not work on a PP with a water cooled PTU or police vehicle. They have a temp sensor in the fill plug covered by a heat shield. Inaccessible without removing the catalytic converter.

17229712646181722971286268
 

kryptto

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jaytan

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2010 Lincoln MKT Ecoboost - 60,000 USA Miles - Tranny issues and Firewall Rear (Right ?) Turbo replaced under Warranty years back - Did my PTU myself and almost "CRIED"when seeing the chunks/black Paste I had to dig out of it - Drilled/Tapped a Drain Plug and would like to put a Vent Hose onto the Vent Cap (Thanks for the info on how to get at it) - Same thing doing the Differential but haven't drilled/tapped it "yet" but have sucked/refilled same so far. Tranny "Pan Fluid only" a few times so far - Coolant once - brake fluid a few times - Don't like the hard front suspension -20" tires - This is my 4th Lincoln 1953 /1962/ 1970 / 2010 / - will Ford send me a "Gold Star" ? or maybe even a "Blessed"Drain Plug would be appreciated ! - Saw a case of Amsoil 0Wx0 Motor Oil years ago - do you believe it ? - Best of Luck. - Jim/Canada
 

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