I've got a 1991 Explorer, manual trans, 4x4. Recently when I was towing a trailor I noticed my temp was up past where it is normally (M) it was increasing into the L and rising gently. The trailor isn't that big, maybe 10/12ft x 6 I think. I thought it might just be becuase it was hot summer day and I was pulling a trailor. I kicked off the AC and teh temp went to just a little above normal. I also checked the coolant during this trip and added a little becuase it was low.

Now I'm back driving my 5min commute to work and my engine seems to heat up fairly quickly. It doesn't usually get past M, but sometimes it incrase to A or L on a hill. I've been watching the temp in relation to RPM and especially on a hill there is a difference. I was thinking it might be my thermostat, but I read to check weather the radiator hose (that's not connected to the resevoir) was hot, and it was hot, so I don't think that it's stuck closed. I haven't noticed any coolant leaking onto my driveway, or at my parking spot at work (assigned parking).

I've been reading on this website and am thinking it may be either a water pump failing, or the fan clutch failing.

Side note:
The only repair job I've done myself was replacing a starter. I can follow directions pretty good, work on bicycles, and would like to save money if possible. Is replacing a water pump and or fan clutch within my ability? I have a Haynes repair manual I bought when I replaced my starter.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.
Philip

 

Hey Philip,

Both jobs, 1. Fan Clutch, and 2. Water Pump are really easy for a common sense guy like yourself.

Only note is that the Fan Clutch may require one or two special spanner type wrenchs, that you can get as loaners, from like AutoZone.

You shouldn't even have to remove the Fan Shroud, but doing so, may provide a lot easier access.

Considerations:

*Mark your drive belts!

Consider a 180 degree Thermostat/new Gasket.

Buy a better than stock Water Pump.

Consider a new Temperature Sensor.

Flush the entire coolant system, making sure to run your heater full bore, while flushing, to clean out the Heater Core.

*Mark your Heater Core hoses, they must go back on, the way they came off.
If you can easily rotate your Fan by hand, with the engine not runnng, the clutch is bad for sure.

Reset the Computer.

 

I agree with elwhoppo up to this point. Use the recommended 'stat for your explorer. Running a cooler 'stat is not the answer.

 

guys if you don't mind, i posted a new topic about a new discovery: fan doesn't rotate freely w/ cool engine, and there's gunk covering my water pump.

 

I recently replaced the fan clutch on my '94 F150. With the right tools it was simple. Did I mention I am a mechanical moron? Just check out the frantic posts I have made about this in the past few months. There are a lot of good folks here who will walk you through it if need be. In my case Auto-Zone lent me the wrong tool and did not have the correct fan clutch tool. That set me back a few days. I ended up going to NAPA. They had the correct fan clutch tools and a better fan clutch. The counter help at NAPA is also top notch...unlike the Bimba's at my Auto-Zone.