Vehicle Questions and Answers
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The cause of a coolant leak in a Ford Explorer depends on where the leak is occurring. It could be something simple like a cracked coolant line or something more serious like a faulty head gasket. If the coolant is leaking underneath your vehicle rather than mixing with the engine oil, the problem is likely with the radiator or water pump, which are prone to failure. While you can use a stop leak product to temporarily fix a radiator leak, it is better to properly patch it to ensure the vehicle operates normally. Replacing a water pump is a common and straightforward task, with parts costing around $100. However, having a professional mechanic do the job can add another $100 to $200 to the total cost.
The Ford Explorer is infamous for water pump issues. If you notice a leak above the air conditioning compressor and alternator on the passenger side of the engine block, it's likely a faulty water pump. Unlike most vehicles with easily accessible water pumps for a simple $200 fix, the Ford Explorer's water pump is driven by the timing chain inside the engine, making the repair cost between $2000 and $4000. There have been class action lawsuits against Ford regarding this problematic design flaw, and I recommend you consider joining them.
The Ford Explorer is infamous for its engine overheating issues, even under normal conditions. A coolant leak from the front of the plastic intake manifold is a common problem that can quickly cause the engine to overheat, especially when the vehicle is at a standstill.
In 2017, the Police Interceptor Utility experienced a coolant leak in the front right tire due to a cracked rear climate control plastic valve. Fortunately, the water pump remained in good condition despite the vehicle having 225,000 miles. Remember to change your coolant every 3 years or 60,000 miles to prevent deterioration of the water pump gasket seal, which is crucial for avoiding leaks when using the rear heat.
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac, which has a plastic intake manifold, is notorious for engine overheating and coolant leakage from the front of the manifold, even under typical operating conditions.