Water pump Leaking Coolant

[Sedwards03]

I just topped off my coolant 2 days ago and my engine temperature light came on, turns out that the water pump dumped my entire reservoir of coolant, the vehicle only has 130k miles on it, is anyone else having this problem?

 

[boominXplorer]

Super common, Achilles heel of the fwd 3.5 / 3.7 engines. Probably done over 100 of them by now in my shop.

 

[Sedwards03]

Super common, Achilles heel of the fwd 3.5 / 3.7 engines. Probably done over 100 of them by now in my shop.

What would you quote to repair at or is it worth it to do it myself?

 

[Michael Blackburn]

Lots of threads on this issue. But to summarize:
At home, with the correct tools, it would take two full days to do the work.
A friendly local mechanic may charge U$2000, a backlogged dealer U$4000.
When doing the work also replace:
Timing chain, guides, tensioner.
Sparkplugs, plug boots, VVT seals, valve cover seals, drive belt and tensioner.
The above are parts cost only, the labor (should be) included in the waterpump replacement.

Good luck

Fritz

 

[peterk9]

I just topped off my coolant 2 days ago and my engine temperature light came on, turns out that the water pump dumped my entire reservoir of coolant, the vehicle only has 130k miles on it, is anyone else having this problem?

Welcome to the Forum.
FYI, the 5th gen Explorer has an internally mounted water pump. Meaning it's in the engine.
As mentioned, there are several threads on this issue. Using the 'Search' (upper right) feature would bring them up.
Here is the worst-case scenario; Water pump failure leads to dead engine
Check the oil on the dipstick to see if it is contaminated. When the coolant leaks, it can enter the engine and mix with the oil.
In any case, you should stop driving it immediately or risk ruining the engine.

Peter

 

[boominXplorer]

What would you quote to repair at or is it worth it to do it myself?

Many members have been able to do it in their driveway, it's just no fun. Book time is 10-12 hours. At my shop if you're under 150k we just do pump, primary chain and tensioner. All gaskets as well and tune up if it isn't current. Average job on an explorer is $2200-$2500

 

[Bobs2018ExplorerSport]

My 2018 Explorer XLT (3.5L) had the internal water pump start leaking (externally) at 17K miles. Fortunately, it didn't leak into the crankcase, and I caught it very early on... but I was without the car for 8 days in total... only because the dealership needed two full days to do the tear down (and it IS a LOT)... but they also had 2 other Explorers ahead of me, for the exact same problem.

At least on that vehicle, Ford covered the entire problem under my new vehicle warranty... or I'd be broke!

 

[bubbaJames2003]

I just topped off my coolant 2 days ago and my engine temperature light came on, turns out that the water pump dumped my entire reservoir of coolant, the vehicle only has 130k miles on it, is anyone else having this problem?

Yes sir! Have 2019 explorer and water failed at 90,000 miles. And this is an internal pump ran off timing chain. Very costly. I've attempted myself and now vehicle won't start. Think timing is off

 

[lolford]

Super common, Achilles heel of the fwd 3.5 / 3.7 engines. Probably done over 100 of them by now in my shop.

Mine was already replaced but the coolant level dropped a bit. does this look like a leak?

 

[boominXplorer]

Mine was already replaced but the coolant level dropped a bit. does this look like a leak?

Looks like an oil leak if anything. I find I need to put 25 miles on the vehicle to make sure I get the last of the air pockets out after doing it.

 

[lolford]

Looks like an oil leak if anything. I find I need to put 25 miles on the vehicle to make sure I get the last of the air pockets out after doing it.

Thanks! Forgot to mention the replacement was ~40K miles ago?

 

[1960BIRD]

I just topped off my coolant 2 days ago and my engine temperature light came on, turns out that the water pump dumped my entire reservoir of coolant, the vehicle only has 130k miles on it, is anyone else having this problem?

Dumped it out of the weep hole or inside the oil pan??!!

 

[lolford]

*ignore*

 

[peterk9]

It's a very small leak, ~6months from just above the min to slightly below. I have about 40K miles miles on the new pump.

His question was for Sedwards03.

Peter

 

[lolford]

His question was for Sedwards03.

Peter

Missed that what a week! Thanks Peter!