Explorer overheating

[Brownpsu78]

I suspect that it is a stuck thermostat...however I am miles away from my garage..I am at college all i have is one adjustable wrench...where is the thermostat located in the engine pics would be helpful

 

[IZwack]

This somewhat depends on which engine you have but in general, it is in front of the engine but slightly on the passenger's side. Just follow the radiator hoses.

As for the adjustable wrench, see if you can borrow or buy a metric socket set

 

[Brownpsu78]

i have an 01 four liter...what is it housed in....how do i get it out...
and what type of thermostat should i go get

 

[IZwack]

i have an 01 four liter...what is it housed in....how do i get it out...
and what type of thermostat should i go get

Okay so you have the SOHC engine.

Here's where the thermostat is on the SOHC engine (green arrow):

Its right under the throttle body so you may need to remove the intake tube for easier access. To get the thermostat out, you remove the four bolts holding the top plastic half on.


As to "what type of thermostat", just go to your local Advanced Auto. I'm not sure exactly which city/town of CT you're in but here's a listing of Advanced Auto stores near Hartford: http://www.partsamerica.com/StoreLocatorData.aspx?chain=AAP&zip=06132
Change the location (ZIP code) to whatever your's is.

There seems to be two thermostats in stock:
Part 13649 is a 195 degree thermostat - $18.88
Part 13648 is a 180 degree thermostat - $18.88

Go with the 195 degree for now since that is the stock temperature.

Of course the thermostat should look something like this:

 

[marragtop]

You will probably need more than an adjustable wrench. Find someone with a set of metric sockets, flat blade screwdrivers, and maybe a scraper for any gasket material. Make sure you remember how the old t-stat comes out. It is possible to put them in backwards.

 

[schmidlkofer]

buy alot of gasket sealant..red or blue.

 

[Gator Jeff]

My manual suggests draining the coolant as well. I know I did when I replaced mine. Does he need to do this as well? If so, he'll need some stuff for that.

Being a tree hugger, I'd be especially concerned of spilled antifreeze since animals love the taste of it and small amounts are deadly.