I think my 05 Ex may be going...

[NHarris]

I've just discovered there's a coolant leak and I'm not wanting to spend anymore money on this piece of sh*t! From the Diff Leaked (fixed), timing chain rattles, coolant leaks, warped rotors (fixed), and a list of other stuff. Its just been a money pit. I'm thinking of stripping it off all mods (bull bar, AUX lights, and TL guards) and cutting my losses. If I do go through on it, I'll be selling those mods here on the EF, but for M.O only. So be on the look out if interested.
This Ex has just been a money pit since day 1. I'm thinking of going to buy a Nissan or Toyota (maybe I can get better quality). I may possibly switch out to a Ranger. This Explorer has been nothing but a thorn in my side that I've tried to make better, but failed.
EDIT: I'll be taking it to the stealership after christmas, depending on the diagnosis (price) will make the choice of what happens.

First off,
Does anyone have a clue on what the Coolant Leak may be? After I run it and shut it off I can hear a noise. Like a liquid dripping (short run) and a sizzling noise (after a long run). In a day it dropped from the Cold fill line to about 1/4" below the cold line. Incase this matters my Ex does have rear air. EDIT: I found a thread about this, but waiting for the ex to cool down to check everything.

And I can't find any leak but can sure hear something.

 

[BigRondo]

Nate, I'm sorry to hear this. I hope that everything works out for you if you keep the '05 or not. Do you still have the '98 and are you keeping it?

I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas & and a Very Happy New Year.

 

[NHarris]

Yeah. My 98 is the best explorer (I have). Yeah I still have the 98, and will keep it for a little while longer. I'll see how the diagnosis goes on the 05, if its a heater core (doubt it) I'll be able to get a good condtion on out of the JY. If its a thermostat, that's no problem and the Ex will be kept. A new radiator on the other hand...then the Ex will be on a countdown to the final days under my ownership.
I'll be inspecting all components later on tonight. Like I've said I can hear it leaking, but can't see it. Its just frustrating to keep putting money into something that keeps falling apart. I've sometimes neglected my 98 and she's holding up like I've giving all my love and attention to her.
I'm thinking this is the last Ford I will own (sadly ) As much as I hate to admit this; when I can afford to get a new car, I will probably be getting a Toyota FJ Cruiser, or Tacoma.


Rondo; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family

 

[Jager]

FJ CRUISER YES! BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

other than MY explorer....

DO IT! BURN THE SPORT TRAC!

 

[NHarris]

FJ CRUISER YES! BEST CAR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

other than MY explorer....

DO IT! BURN THE SPORT TRAC!

Only thing that stopped me from buying an FJ Cruiser this summer was the price tag

 

[ragajungle]

The more I hear about the gen 3 Ex the less I want one. Bummer sorry you are going through it w/ the 05 - how many miles?

 

[NHarris]

The more I hear about the gen 3 Ex the less I want one. Bummer sorry you are going through it w/ the 05 - how many miles?

66800 Miles.

 

[lynchy wa]

My deepest conolences for your X Nate, real ******* this time of year. Hope shes a cheap fix and theres always that suburban we talked about awhile ago, as long as it comes with a free playstation that is. Good luck Mate.

 

[ragajungle]

That's ridiculous....... Seems that Ford has the propensity to build a really great vehicle but they always seem to get it right and then rest on the laurels or bean counters that go above and beyond. Things like plastic thrust washers in the 5r55 trans, and plastic timing chain tensioner guides in the SOHC point toward planned obsolescences. It's a shame.

 

[lynchy wa]

Agreed, they dont make 'em like they use to.

 

[NHarris]

Learned something about my 5R55S transmission.
-So with the leak, there's no obvious leak, and I can't smell any anti freeze/coolant anywhere. Last night it was sitting at right at the lower Cold Fill line, I checked about noon today and it was 1/4" below the lower fill line. After I have the truck running it will make an odd gurgling sound (nothing like any of my other cars make) towards the back of the engine. I can hear it under the dash (right next to the heater core) too. The front of the engine looks to be wet (no rain/snow today), but no drip.

I guess this is my explorer's Chirstmas gift to me

 

[ragajungle]

time to break out some dye....

 

[NHarris]

Yeah...first I'll give the front of the engine a wipe with a paper towel and a smell test. If that proves the coolant leaks from there (front of engine), then I'll get the dye. If not, I'll still need to get the dye.

I looked at the price of a water pump..... $187.00 and $20.00 for the gasket Hope its not that (probably is). This Ex is looking like my $13000 mistake of 2010.

 

[ragajungle]

water pump..... $187.00 and $20.00 for the gasket .

YIKES! I am SURE you can find it cheaper - make sure to check with the EF Vendors. Some offer 10% over dealer cost for EF members - so $187 water pump might cost $87 - worth checking into, but in the meantime check with dye to make sure you don't have a head gasket ot something else altogether. Man what a bummer - I feels you. My b2 needs a fuel pump (had it towed home 50+ miles) and my Ex needs a cam sync (high buck pita)
The trucks are making out like a fricken bandits for christmas...

 

[NHarris]

Definately worth checking in to. Even if its just $20.00 saved its better than $20.00 spent.
I swear I can now smell a hint of coolant, but looked all over the engine bay and no sight of anything.
I had my Ex running for a few minutes, and nothing obvious showing up.
Nothing obvious in the cabin, no spills on the ground, nothing from the thermostat, nothing obvious from the water pump (maybe I'll get lucky).
Have to see how the coolant level looks tomorrow morning. If there's a drop in the coolant level tomorrow morning and continues over the next several days I'll be calling ford see if they can find the source of the problem.

My poor wallet

Maybe I should've gotten another 2nd gen...

EDIT: I'm trying to decide whether I should sell my bull bar, AUX lights, and TL guards....I'm really digging the street look as I saw a set of 20" wheels that I really want

 

[Limited02]

Sorry to hear of your problems!!!

My ex has 135,000 miles on and I had the the trans/transfercase rebuilt, and a new front wheel bearing. The shocks are shot, rear diff is whining/leaking, may need new wheelbearings all-around and a few other small things. BUT!!! I love this ex to much and even with the current problems, it gets me where I need to go, has taken the abuse of me driving it(drag races/100+mph/etc) and puts a smile on my face everytime I mash the pedal

If I didn't like the thing so much, it would either be sold for a 2010 Ford Fusion Sport, or I would restore my '72 Bronco Sport. Luckily I paid it off in Nov and if anything happens, it's cheaper to fix than buy a newer car.

Edit- Merry Christmas!!!

 

[lounge lizard]

Merry Christmas! to everyone!

now to the problem at hand! lower intake gaskets. still costly venture.

but the antifreeze is being burned through the motor. not really hurting the motor but it can't be good.
cheap gaskets and plastic intake leads to antifreeze leaking to the intake port on the motor.
that is why the front of the motor is getting wet.
the noise at the back of the motor may be just the air pocket formed by losing fluid.

keep an eye on that temp gauge. don't need to loose the motor.

hope these helps some. it is becoming a problem for all manufacturers, coolant/ intake leak.

 

[NHarris]

Thanks for the replies. So far it seems to have kept steady on the coolant level (sitting overnight), but I think I'll take it out for a drive today and let it sit and see what happens. If its losing coolant, but no signs of a leak then I'll probably go to a head gasket problem. If that is the case my 4.6L 3V swap is closer than I first thought; because I can't sell the car and recover the costs of repairs and mods with a blown Head Gasket. Hopefully that's not the case.
I still know that the Chain Tensioner is going; I can hear the chain especially during cold operation. When the Tensioner goes, so does the engine, or some of it
I still know its lost some coolant, a few days ago, so I don't know if that means maybe a hose is/was a little loose or something.

 

[NHarris]

Update for you all...
Looks like the Ex is staying. No coolant seems to be leaking anywhere; just have to keep my eye out.

So now I'm thinking of changing up the looks on her. I like the look of the 2010 XLT Sport and am thinking of "mimicking" that explorer. 20" wheels, black headlights, get the trim panels and stuff.

Thanks all for the help throughout the time I asked the question(s) to now. I really do appreciate it.

 

[lynchy wa]

Glad to hear it Mate!!!