Cooling issue

[FordExplorerboy]

Hey guys. My explorer has been having some cooling problems. If it sits and idles for 15-20 min the tempature gauge needle goes past the "R" on NORMAL and I smell coolant coming from the vents. But if you drive it, the tempature goes down to normal operating temp and it doesn't smell. I check for leaks and the radiator is full. Just replaced the thermostat, water pump, and the heater hoses. Any ideas?

 

[mehedgec]

If you smell it through the vents, check your heater core and the hose connections at the firewall. It is possible that the antifreeze is leaking into the dash from there, and then sealing once it gets warm.

 

[wood1]

Maybe your fan clutch is weak.

If the fins of your rad are dirty you may need to pressure wash them.

The heater core is a 15 minute job. Very easy to access in the 1st gen.

 

[FordExplorerboy]

i took off the cover for the heater core... no leaks.

 

[wood1]

Can you smell coolant under the hood when it gets warm or just the vents. Could be a tiny leak of the HC.

 

[FordExplorerboy]

Yes I smell coolant under the hood when it warms up, and the vents. I also noticed that the fan had some cracks in it. Could it affect the cooling?

 

[arco777]

Yes I smell coolant under the hood when it warms up, and the vents. I also noticed that the fan had some cracks in it. Could it affect the cooling?

Cracks in the fan are normal on just about every Ford of this vintage that has an engine-driven fan. They won't affect cooling.

 

[FordExplorerboy]

ok just making sure

 

[Fastest Caskets]

Check the little vaccum valve that runs inline on the heater hoses under the hood. Sometimes they seep.

 

[wood1]

I don't think they started being used until '94, my '93 doesn't have one.

Start looking for your leak under the hood. Often the lower intake gaskets fail and seep coolant. Have you tried to re-torque your lower intake bolts? They are known to loosen over time.

 

[FordExplorerboy]

Well I found the leak it was the radiator.

 

[wood1]

Well there's your problem!

 

[FordExplorerboy]

I feel so dumb! lol It was right there in front of me!

 

[wood1]

Bah, most of us aren't real mechanics. Every time you work on your vehicle you learn a bit more. I've had obvious stuff pointed out that I have missed and replaced part that were perfectly fine. Learn as you go!

A word of advice, if you are replacing the rad you should replace the hoses too. They will eventually fail as well. I would change the heater hoses and the thermostat while you are at it. I changed all mine after the lower rad hose let go... and cooked my heads. Also changed the heater core, water pump, fan... Figured that I might as well do it all for the sake of a few dollars more. Everything fails eventually. Rock Auto to the rescue.

 

[FordExplorerboy]

ok thanks!

 

[tweakedlogic]

As far as heating up while idling, I think it may be your fan clutch. Drive your truck until it reaches normal operating temp for a few minutes. then shut off the engine and spin the fan with your hand. If it has no or little resistance, the clutch is bad. After it warms up, it should be somewhat resistant to your spin.