What engine size would you pick and why??
6 Likes
There are four engines.
2.3L 2WD for reliability.
3.5 EB for sportiness
Never buy the 3.5 NA.
6 Likes
Why never buy the 3.5 NA?
6 Likes
You end up with all the problems of having an internal water pump, which can cost thousands to replace, without the benefits like having 365 horsepower. It’s basically the worst of both worlds.
6 Likes
Well, that’s the one I own, lol.
4 Likes
No point in worrying too much. Just get ready for what’s ahead.
6 Likes
Haha, true. When do they usually have problems? And how much does it cost to replace the internal pump, including parts and labor? 
6 Likes
Mine failed last month at 167k miles, and I really pushed my engine hard. Don’t let anyone tell you the 3.5 NA engine is bad it’s not. Besides the water pump, it rarely has other major issues. It has great power and decent fuel economy. The turbos on smaller engines can cause big problems, sometimes even more often than the water pump issues on the NA engines.
Do regular maintenance and stay alert. I check my fluids, including coolant, every week and inspect underneath the car. I found green sludge under my AC compressor and realized the water pump was leaking, so I’m replacing it myself. Tools and parts cost under $1,000 total. If you already have tools or can rent them, it’s even cheaper. It’s not a difficult job if you’re good with engines, though it can be tedious. I broke three bolts because I turned them the wrong way!
If you have AWD, make sure to check and replace the PTU fluid.
6 Likes
The pumps themselves don’t have a specific problem; they could last anywhere from 75,000 miles to over 200k miles. You can’t be sure how long they’ll last. Some people have reported costs as low as $2k, but most have paid closer to $4k. Usually, when you replace the pump, you also change the timing chains and any other parts you find while you’re already working on it.
5 Likes
My 2018 3.5 NA engine’s water pump failed at 102,000 miles. Almost all of the top-rated local independent shops refused the job, and the ones that did were as expensive as the dealership, with longer wait times and completion times.
The estimates I got ranged from $3,800 to $4,400.
4 Likes
Godamn! If that ever happens to me (knock on wood) I’m gunna have to get my knees dirty for months to cover that kinda cost, lol
3 Likes
Yeah, it’s a hassle. Luckily, we paid off the loan a few months ago, and I had been saving up and planning to replace the water pump ahead of time.
3 Likes
Realistically, the 3.5 isn’t bad. The water pump issue doesn’t bother me, but I’m more concerned about the 2.3L turbo engine reaching 200k miles. I don’t think it will last that long.
2 Likes
tbh, we’re not in the 90s anymore. If you change the oil regularly and take care of things properly, turbos can last a long time. Most people don’t know how to look after a turbo car, which is why they often get a bad reputation.
1 Like
If Ford wanted to make the water pump so hard to reach in the 3.5 engine, why didn’t they make it stronger? It seems like lawsuits are cheaper for them than actually fixing the issue. The 3.5 engine is really complex, with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, three timing chains, and lots of sensors and electronics. It’s not like the old 90s Crown Vic anymore. I did the repair myself and saved about $3000 in labor. If you try this yourself, make sure the harmonic balancer is installed and torqued exactly as Ford says, or the crank sprocket pin might break, causing timing issues. Remember, this engine is an interference type. I’ve been a loyal Ford fan since my first Chevy, but Ford has made many mistakes over the past decade. I wouldn’t buy another Gen 5 Explorer. The Gen 6 is out, but it seems to have its own problems. Looking back, I would go with the 2.3L. Now I need to check my PTU.