Radiator leaking once again

[makuloco2000]

Now I know a replacing a radiator is pretty straight forward but on these particular model it's a little more complicated with the "modular" system, as it seemed overly complicated to me a tech and might be daunting to a DIY. So I made a video of the procedure from start to finish. Hope this helps as this can be a costly repair, but doesn't have to be.

 

[ttbit]

Great video. Thank you. The transmission ones are top notch also. I was wondering how to check the fluid on these newer models!

 

[06bluez]

Makuloco, do you think these failures could be related to the higher PSI cap that ford uses on these explorers? I swapped the oem 21psi cap with a 16, and haven't had a problem with the oem radiator in 74000 miles. I understand that this can affect the boiling point but I dont think it has caused a problem...

 

[ttbit]

Is it just the original radiators that go out, or are the replacements blowing out as well? I am more worried about the heater core, personally. The 20 does seem high and I thought about it as well.

 

[eppd00]

I pulled the 20lb cap and replaced it with a 16lb cap when I bought the truck back in 08. No problems yet. My guess was the higher pressure cap has something to do with the limp mode where the computer shuts down cylinders in the event of a catastrophic failure of the system ( belt or water pump failure).Strictly speculation on my part.

 

[makuloco2000]

Great video. Thank you. The transmission ones are top notch also. I was wondering how to check the fluid on these newer models!

Here is a link for the 6R60-

Makuloco, do you think these failures could be related to the higher PSI cap that ford uses on these explorers? I swapped the oem 21psi cap with a 16, and haven't had a problem with the oem radiator in 74000 miles. I understand that this can affect the boiling point but I dont think it has caused a problem...

Yes I do think it is due to the higher pressure. These are one of the first vehicles Ford started using the higher psi in so I am sure there was some learning curve. All the new systems on Ford are 21psi nuts.

Is it just the original radiators that go out, or are the replacements blowing out as well? I am more worried about the heater core, personally. The 20 does seem high and I thought about it as well.

It is only the originals in my experience, I wouldn't worry about the heater core personally they are isolated from all the vibration and heat of the engine compartment and don't have the side tank seals like the radiators. We never see the cores leak on these.

 

[ttbit]

Here is a link for the 6R60-
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It is only the originals in my experience, I wouldn't worry about the heater core personally they are isolated from all the vibration and heat of the engine compartment and don't have the side tank seals like the radiators. We never see the cores leak on these.

That is great news. Thanks for sharing your experience. I watched your videos before attacking the radiator and transmission. You helped save my transmission. It was acting crazy and I found it to be 3 quarts low. Crazy! I have no idea what someone did to it before me. After adding the fluid and driving it several days for it to learn, it shifts nicely. Spark plugs are next.