2003 Ford Explorer ran hot
10

Asked by HarrisA Sep 20, 2015 at 08:06 PM about the 2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V6

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2003 ford explorer 4.0 V6 driving
one day it all of a sudden got hot pulled
over immediately and shut it off. Had it
towed home changed the thermostat and
put a new water pump on it . It is running
rough like a fouled plug or vacuum leak. I'm
going to drive it down the road tomorrow to
see if it runs hot anymore. Had it started at  
an idol in the yard and I left it running for
about 30 minutes and it did not run hot and
the gauge did not go up however my
service engine soon light is blinking off and
on and it is running rough . If I do take it
down the road and it runs hot what could it
be? I only know what my brothers have
tought me so any help would be greatly
appreciated thank you
Amy

3 Answers
73,320

OJ answered 8 years ago

If it is low on coolant again check the plastic thermostat housing for leaks, they are notorious for warping and leaking after the engine overheats. If it is leaking it will need to be replaced. Forget the plastic replacement, they cost about a hundred bucks (for plastic!!). They make after marked aluminum ones which will last the life of the vehicle. For only a few bucks more.

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140

xaxo7008 answered 8 years ago

You might pull the spark plugs and see if any of them look wet, if one does do a compression test on it and if it fails you probably have a blown head gasket, is there white smoke coming out of the tailpipe? This is a good indicator of that.

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10

HarrisA answered 8 years ago

Thank you everyone. I have changed the water pump, new thermostat, flushed out the radiator and new spark plugs. Back on the road and running great. !

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