Engine shutdown

[Philcapper]

When running at 75 or so for extended periods of time or following a pack of cars up a long twisty road or just about anything that works the engine hard on a hot day (75+), the engine quits and will restart after about 15 minutes. Sometimes it surges instead of quitting and slowing down and driving at 45 or so for about 15 minutes and it will start to run smoothly again.
Help?

 

[2000StreetRod]

overheating?

Does the engine temperature gauge indicate the engine is overheating?

Does the Check Engine light illuminate? If so, what are the diagnostic trouble codes?

 

[Philcapper]

Temp gauge normal
Engine light code lean mixture,however, ford had vehicle 3 times and couldn't get light to go out

 

[2000StreetRod]

fuel pump?

I would consider a weak fuel pump susceptible to overheating. The pump is cooled by the fuel in the tank. When the fuel warms up a weak fuel pump will overheat and deliver less fuel resulting in a lean condition. If the pressure drops low enough the engine will stop running. The 2nd generation Explorers have no fuel pressure sensor to detect a weak fuel pump. I suggest: Ford Explorer Ranger Fuel pressure test procedure However, it may not detect a weak pump that's suscetible to overheating. How many miles on the odometer? Is the original pump still installed?