Please Help Help Help!
I have a 2001 Ford Explorer and it's been running hot. Not TOTALLY hot but almost right up to the white line. We have changed the thermostat and that hasn't helped. It also doesn't do it all the time! Just when I'm stuck in traffic on a hot Alabama day. My mechanic can't find anything wrong with it and says it COULD be the radiator but THAT will cost me $420 total to replace and that MIGHT NOT BE THE PROBLEM...he thinks the sediment is stopping up when it gets hotter. He also told me that the radiator shop in town says that you can't take a Ford radiator apart and put it back together so they wouldn't be able to "rod it out". Does this sound right? Does anyone have any suggestions for this bama gal???

 

If you think it is the rad you could try adding a can of rad flush (instructions on can) and flushing it out that way. It is also possible you have a cooling fan problem. When engine is hot and you are stuck in traffic can you hear the fan running? Hopefully some of the Explorer experts will chime in soon.

 

Has this "mechanic" ever heard of a Fan Clutch?

 

I have personaly removed and replaced the end caps of exploder rads.

The core is aluminium so take your time, clean the gasket and valley well, apply RTV and reset tabs. Of course while the caps are off, rod the core.

Check the fan (cracks) & fan clutch for correct operation.

 

I agree with looking at the fan and fan clutch. Also, you don't want to fork over $420 to a mechanic who say he 'thinks it might be the radiator'. This should not be that difficult of a diagnosis. Have they pressure tested the system, and checked the fan and fan clutch?