I have a 2015 Ford Explorer (base model), and it’s running great except for one issue—I have to top up the coolant every 30-40 days. Could this be a water pump or thermostat problem? I’m thinking of replacing them with Motorcraft parts if necessary.
I’m concerned because the temperature here can reach above 55°C, and I don’t want this to cause engine damage. Any advice is appreciated!
Needing to refill coolant regularly is definitely a sign of an issue. It could be as simple as a faulty coolant reservoir cap, a leaky hose, or potentially a water pump problem. You’ll want a reliable service tech to check it out, ideally at a Ford dealership or a trusted service center.
Coolant mixing with engine oil is bad news. They don’t get along well, especially in high temperatures and pressure, so it’s best to have this looked at soon.
Is the coolant leaking onto the ground, especially on the passenger side? If it isn’t, check your oil. If you’re lucky, it could just be a minor leak, but if it’s getting into the engine oil, that’s definitely more serious.
Chin said:
Had a similar issue with my 2016 XLT. It was the water pump, so I ended up replacing that and a few other parts around it. Cost me about $4K in total.
Wow, that’s pretty steep. Here, a Motorcraft water pump is about $150, and installation is around $200-250.
@Darin
Yeah, but since the water pump is timing chain-driven, a lot of work is involved. You have to remove several components, and while you’re in there, it’s often recommended to replace the timing chain, chain guides, and maybe even the oil pump to save on future labor costs.
@Darin
Yep, it’s an internal water pump, so you’re looking at 8-12 hours of labor if you go for it. Might as well replace other parts while it’s all open.
Chin said:
Had a similar issue with my 2016 XLT. It was the water pump, so I ended up replacing that and a few other parts around it. Cost me about $4K in total.
@Blue
Yep, but I also replaced the spark plugs, oils, radiator hoses, and a few other things while they were at it. Figured it made sense to handle it all at once.
Chin said: @Blue
Yep, but I also replaced the spark plugs, oils, radiator hoses, and a few other things while they were at it. Figured it made sense to handle it all at once.
I wish I’d known more when I had mine done. The labor costs are brutal.
If it’s the water pump, definitely get it fixed as soon as possible. If it fails, it can dump all the coolant into the engine oil, which is a big issue.
Ford’s internal water pump design is a pain. The engines themselves are reliable, but the water pump failure is a common issue on these SUVs. If you’re constantly topping off coolant, it could be a small fix like the cap or a hose, or something bigger like the water pump.