My Explorer Won't Start

[Jaycee323]

About a week ago, I noticed that my Explorer was losing coolant, I mean a lot of coolant. I assumed it was the water pump, and replaced it. When I finished, I cranked her up and the same thing happened. I left the engine running to try and spot the source, but she cutoff on me. I kept looking, and noticed puddles of coolant on the block. Turns out one of the ports on the thermostat housing had broken, and dumping coolant on the block. Long story short, I replaced the housing, and now she won't crank. What do I do?

 

[koda2000]

Check the connection and wiring to the crank position sensor. It's the only thing in the area you were working on that if damaged would prevent the engine from running. Can I assume you have the SOHC V6 engine?

 

[1998Exp]

About a week ago, I noticed that my Explorer was losing coolant, I mean a lot of coolant. I assumed it was the water pump, and replaced it. When I finished, I cranked her up and the same thing happened. I left the engine running to try and spot the source, but she cutoff on me. I kept looking, and noticed puddles of coolant on the block. Turns out one of the ports on the thermostat housing had broken, and dumping coolant on the block. Long story short, I replaced the housing, and now she won't crank. What do I do?

"Won't crank", as in the starter can't turn the engine over, or do you mean cranks but no start? And, most important, which engine is it?

 

[Jaycee323]

Check the connection and wiring to the crank position sensor. It's the only thing in the area you were working on that if damaged would prevent the engine from running. Can I assume you have the SOHC V6 engine?

Yeah, I do

 

[Jaycee323]

"Won't crank", as in the starter can't turn the engine over, or do you mean cranks but no start? And, most important, which engine is it?

As in, the engine doesn't turnover. There are only fast, repeating clicks when I try. She's a 4.0 SOHC

 

[koda2000]

Then check your battery cables, terminals and your battery's state of charge.

Did you have the door open or radio on while you replaced the t-stat housing and run the battery down?

 

[Jaycee323]

That was my first move. Even after a jump and a charge/test, no dice.

 

[koda2000]

Then I have no clue how changing a t-stat housing could cause your issue. Seems unrelated. Bad battery, bad starter, bad cables or loose/dirty terminals would be the things I'd be checking. Were the jumper cables used of good quality or thin Walmart junk? The thin cheap ones are useless for jumping a dead battery.

 

[Turdle]

Main power actually goes to the starter then back to the power distribution box. Wonder if enough coolant dripped to cause a bad connection at the starter power lead, or, possibly even got inside the starter.

There is also a conductor "braid" on the starter leads. see if you can locate it. While a friend tries to start the truck, manipulate, ( wiggle) the braid and connections.

 

[1998Exp]

That was my first move. Even after a jump and a charge/test, no dice.

As already stated, could be bad starter or corroded battery cables. I wouldn't exclude a bad battery yet either. Even if you charged it and the voltage seems correct, it may be too weak to turn the starter. What does it do when you try to start? If you turn the headlights on, do they dim significantly when trying to start?

 

[Jaycee323]

Main power actually goes to the starter then back to the power distribution box. Wonder if enough coolant dripped to cause a bad connection at the starter power lead, or, possibly even got inside the starter.

There is also a conductor "braid" on the starter leads. see if you can locate it. While a friend tries to start the truck, manipulate, ( wiggle) the braid and connections.

That sounds likely, hopefully that's the issue. Thanks

 

[Lotussavage]

Hi I have a 1999 ford explorer xlt. I cranks but won't start. Please help. I got it diagnosed and they said it was the fuel pump. I changed the fuel pump and still nothing.

 

[Josh P]

Hi I have a 1999 ford explorer xlt. I cranks but won't start. Please help. I got it diagnosed and they said it was the fuel pump. I changed the fuel pump and still nothing.

Use starting fluid to see if the engine will run, if it will run on starting fluid then you still have a fuel issue.

 

[Lotussavage]

Use starting fluid to see if the engine will run, if it will run on starting fluid then you still have a fuel issue.

Thanks you I will try it out.

 

[koda2000]

If it doesn't at least try to start on the starting fluid (and if you're absolutely sure you're getting spark) I'd start wondering if your engine has jumped time, because if you have fuel, air and everything is happening at the right time the engine should run. Let us know what happens on the starting fluid.