06 explorer cooling system issues.

[Sebbie]

I have owned my 06 Explorer XLT for one year at 62.000 miles on the 4.0 V6. I was having issues with the cooling system and the Ford shop showed me where "Steam"/coolant was seeping from between the upper and lower therm housing and on the top/passenger side of the rad. A quote of $1300.00, replacing everything, rad/entire housing/thermostat and sensor. I was going to wait/watch for any leaking problems and have discovered coolant dripping in the snow on my driveway. I know the entire design is a POS, and I can't do the work right now myself. Should I just have them do it so I won't damage my engine? should I use the aftermarket parts from a independent shop? I have questions about the Ford warranty on this job, what do you guy's think? Thanks.

 

[Tech By Trade]

A spectra rad will run you about 120 bucks, and a dorman thermostat housing will run you about 30. Looking at about 2 hrs labor and a couple jugs of antifreeze. It can be easily done in your driveway.