Ford Quick Tips: #6 2006-2010 Ford Explorer Common Radiator Leak Points

[@RHC_NYC]

I've been having some issues with my Explorer's radiator. Just wanted to say Thanks for posting such great info. I was totally clueless as to how all of this even worked, and your videos provide education and insight, and you do it for free. Thank you for your efforts. They're greatly appreciated.

[@scott3708]

My 2006 4.0 did same thing, cracked underneath over flow tank, then swapped out with $60 special from eBay, last august. So contacted the seller and is lifetime warranty as it's leaking upper plastic seam. Just send it back and we'll replace it they said... It cost $55. Shipping cost $51 and my vehicle sits all apart till they send another one, screw that. So I bought another cheap one $60 and swapped it out yesterday. Then I saw your video on these cheap radiators and the 20 psi trouble with the seams. Crap wish I saw that before! Well I guess I have 6 months to go on this one, maybe. But next time, premium radiator only. As this job looks easy but isn't if your not purging A/C and pulling condenser. Which I didn't, took me 1 1/2 hours longer but saved A/C charging. The plastic radiator support brackets that must come together just right on the bottom or the radiator doesn't fit low enough for top bolts, was designed by an evil bastard. Absolutely no reason that radiator shouldn't slide out after hoses and top bolts off. I can here the engineer laughing now, "wait till they try to get this out, hahahaha!".....bastard.

[@wakcedout]

Mine actually has that crack right where you showed and it bubbles under pressure. Vehicles had no accident with the front end to my knowledge and it’s an 08 I bought used

[@whiteboy12911]

Yes thank you because my radiator is leaking right around that place that you said it’s on the passenger front you can see the radiator stuff to the front of the front grill and yes it does leak under high-pressure

[@gohamm34652]

@FordTechMakuloco I bought my explorer a couple years ago and the dealer replaced the radiator before I got it. I now have a unexplained leak. Do the ford replacement radiators leak as well?

[@steveetheart9058]

I saw your video and it's very usefull because my radiator is leaking some where on near my air blower but I don't know exactly where yet. I may check my thermostat to see if there's some leaks. One time there was some cooler leaking from the back of my car close to the muffler pipe. Maybe you can help me why is the reason. Thank you appreciate 😉

[@TonicofSonic]

My 06 f150 randomly spit out a half cup of coolant after I parked it from the driver side right under the hose connection. I assume this is the same situatio .

[@rickc2222]

I'm leaking trans fluid at the radiator connector - its all rusty and corroded, so i want to replace the steel line and fitting, but you are saying I should drain the radiator first? and buy the dorman part with 2 o-rings... what is that fitting part I need? also transmission is a bit clunky when cold....could coolant have leaked into the transmission because of the leak at the radiator?

[@srercrcr]

I discovered your videos on FTE. Very nice. I have what appeared to be a coolant leak, the coolant level in the radiator drops about 4 oz per week, I would top it off. Lo and behold I see the coolant level in the overflow tank rising. Apparently it's not drawing back into the radiator. Can you advise what the problem is?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I would check the areas for leaks as in the video, also the thermostat housing on a 4.0l engine and water pump weap holes. It sounds like you have an air pocket too. Has there been any work to the truck recently that opened up the cooling system? The only thing that regulates coolant and drawing it back in the rad cap on these.

[@chrischongtenn7105]

Yep, this appears to be a common problem with the Explorers, a split on top of the plastic portion of radiator which may cause a short in the PCU from all the moisture.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Huh?

[@chrischongtenn7105]

FordTechMakuloco I had the PCM repaired last year when I bought 08 Explorer. Had a series of codes indicating possibly a bad pcm. No more engine light until recently when after filling up with coolant, the coolant container was empty again and I got an engine code. There was a hidden split on top of radiator and I suspected perhaps the steamy moisture may have played a role with regards to the pcm issue.

[@humbleomnigod]

Was That leaked one the right side

[@MontanyeModels]

Sad part is that now, a radiator for an 08 explorer is around $300usd OTC, & isn't as easy to self-fix in the yard.

[@whocreek]

10 years later and I'm facing this issue

[@whocreek]

@@z9m1x8 yea, I replaced the radiator because it had corrosion on the inside and it was starting to make coolant seep out of the seams. But it still smells like burning coolant and I can't figure out where. I'm no longer losing coolant now. Just still has the smell

[@whocreek]

@@z9m1x8 already replaced the thermostat

[@tvseries_848]

Will stop leak fix this?

[@Floordford]

Replaced my 07 Sport Trac radiator because the plastic end cracked right under the tank. The TYC from Rockauto gave up within 3 years. Real pain.

[@richardjameson2996]

Good exactly my problem but what's that part called

[@ts302]

Please help. 2008 Ford Fusion SE 2.3L, I need a replacement radiator petcock. On one of the Fusion forums, someone posted that you know of a replacement part from Ford(?). Thank you, Tony

[@jtoddk98]

Hey, How is the carbon build up on the intake valves of the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 in the Taurus SHO? Some of my friends have had bad experiences with Direct Injection in Audis and VW. Also, from what I hear on the forums, the PCV system isn't that great and will send lots of oil into the intake, would you recommend a catch can? Thanks

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes the early days of direct injection TONS of carbon issues so far so good on the Fords. I do not recommend catch cans I think it is all snake oil. Kind of like coolant filter systems on the diesels, not required.

[@jtoddk98]

FordTechMakuloco Thats a good thing. Definitely having my PTU oil flushed though. After seeing what came out of a friends SHO with 30k miles, I'm surprised my ptu hasn't blown up yet with almost 40k miles.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The ptu fluid is supposed to be black and have a pugnant odor totally normal and are fill for life.

[@curiosity2314]

I'm back again after working on the suspension and brakes with good success. Also ran 2.5 gallons of Amsoil tranny fluid through with a filter change, I still want to and will add a spin on filter for the tranny. I had really good success with this on an old Hyundai a couple of years ago. The fluid was black, I did a couple of changes and then added the Arctic cooling filter and after that the fluid was red as new and stayed that way. My real question and I did post it on Ford Focus Fanatics (FF) is this. 2007 Focus SES with federal emissions; no (Air), to replace the water pump do I need to remove the AC compressor? It sure looks like I need to do that or the power steering pump. I know the passenger side motor mount will have to be removed along with the coolant reservoir. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Nope pulls straight out no need to mess with the a/c

[@curiosity2314]

FordTechMakuloco Thank You, cool as ... You know.. I believe you... I'll let you know how it goes in the next week or so... :)

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Straight from the manual I can send you the pdf of the procedure from our workshop manual if you want it.

[@curiosity2314]

FordTechMakuloco That would be great and much appreciated! I will send you a pm with my email.

[@Switch56Band]

My 2006 explorer limited 4.6 had the same thing, a crack under the reservoir tank in the top of the radiator. The coolant would slowly disappear...

[@Switch56Band]

Also your videos are awesome! have helped me many of times!

[@BlisAx]

I have a 2006 Ford Fusion with the 2.3L I4. I noticed low coolant levels so I topped it up to the cold fill line. In about a month it had dropped. I started to experiment. I checked the level regularly but I did not fill it up, for 3 weeks. With the coolant low the level did not drop any lower. I can see no coolant or that white dust under the car, it's not in the oil, and it's not being burnt. (no smoke, the exhaust does not taste sweet). So I am not suspecting a head gasket. Could this be a pressure leak?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

batchnerd I really think you had a air pocket burp. Have you done any cooling system related work to it recently or previous owner?

[@BlisAx]

No nothing maintenance wise (that I know of). I'll try topping it off again and seeing if it falls. One of my previous cars (2001 focus DOHC) did the same sort of thing. I'd fill it up just to have it drop back down to it's "happy spot" and stay there indefinitely.

[@BlisAx]

By the way thank you for taking the time to respond.

[@richardflachbart5859]

LEAKOBOOST

[@Mebob2001]

ye alot of gm's hitting 21 psi now a days i think its insane... but keeps the boiling point of coolant high!!!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes anything 2013 and newer Ford is 21 psi and we are having new coolant leak issues on some of the new cars like the 2013 Escapes that keep getting recalled. This was back in 2006 when they jumped to 20 psi on the explorers only and now the customers are paying the price.

[@Mebob2001]

i wish i understood why they increase the pressure.. 15 PSI is plenty.. if they wanna keep the engine cooler just add a bigger rad.. OR dont use cheep plastic crimpted on tanks FFS! haha but ye

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Well the way I see it on the new fusions etc is so they can run it hotter safer and the air fuel mixture leaner for fuel economy.

[@Mebob2001]

makes sence, stupid fuel eco makes our job harder and more of a pain if you ask me...

[@still_truckin7169]

It’s all Ford my super duty dose it to Ford should have a recall on them

[@guynoir3116]

Mine had crack on top .