Hey everyone, my wife is interested in a Ford Explorer, but I’m trying to avoid the water pump problems some of these vehicles have. I’ve been searching online but keep finding conflicting information. Can anyone tell me which engine options have external water pumps?
That’s a good question, but I need more details. What year range are you looking at?
Timber said:
That’s a good question, but I need more details. What year range are you looking at?
Ah, sorry about that. I meant somewhere around 2017 to 2021.
Timber said:
That’s a good question, but I need more details. What year range are you looking at?
Ah, sorry about that. I meant somewhere around 2017 to 2021.
For the 2012-2019 Explorers, the 3.5L NA and Ecoboost engines have internal water pumps. However, these engines aren’t available on the 2020+ models. The newer 2.3L and 3.0L Ecoboost engines on the 2020+ Explorers have external water pumps.
@Mali
Thanks a lot!
Just a heads up, if you end up going with an older Explorer that has an internal water pump, you’ll want to change the coolant more often than the recommended 4-year/50,000-mile interval. I personally do it every 3 years. This helps maintain the additives in the coolant that protect against engine corrosion and water pump seal wear. You can also add a can of rust inhibitor/water pump lubricant halfway through the interval if you’re into really maintaining it.
@Quincy
What coolant do you recommend? And do you do a full flush or just drain and refill?
Kei said:
@Quincy
What coolant do you recommend? And do you do a full flush or just drain and refill?
You want to use the coolant that meets the manufacturer’s specs for the engine, which is listed in the owner’s manual. The car makers want you to maintain the vehicle well so you keep buying their cars. So they’re pretty specific about this!
@Quincy
Got it. I thought I read somewhere they switched coolants, but wasn’t sure.
Kei said:
@Quincy
Got it. I thought I read somewhere they switched coolants, but wasn’t sure.
You only really need to do a full flush if there’s rust in the system, but if you stick to the recommended intervals, there shouldn’t be any rust to worry about.
Kei said:
@Quincy
Got it. I thought I read somewhere they switched coolants, but wasn’t sure.
Ford changed the coolant requirements partway through. Now you’re supposed to use Yellow coolant instead of Orange because it has better anti-corrosion properties.
@Quincy
Yep, Ford now wants you to use Yellow coolant, though older manuals still list Orange. Here’s a link with more details.
Kei said:
@Quincy
What coolant do you recommend? And do you do a full flush or just drain and refill?
Just FYI, Yellow coolant is now the standard. Here’s a link with more info.
Timber said:
That’s a good question, but I need more details. What year range are you looking at?
Ah, sorry about that. I meant somewhere around 2017 to 2021.
Just so you know, from 2011 to 2019, the 3.5L Ecoboost, 3.5L NA, and 3.7L engines have internal water pumps. But from 2011 onward, the 2.0, 2.3, 3.0, and 3.3L engines have external water pumps.
Don’t sweat it too much. Bad water pumps are pretty much the only issue with these Ecoboost engines, haha.
Corey said:
Don’t sweat it too much. Bad water pumps are pretty much the only issue with these Ecoboost engines, haha.
I get that. My mom’s got a 2017 F-150 with the 3.5L Ecoboost, and I like it a lot. But after my wife’s car had a big repair bill, I’m trying to avoid similar issues. It seems like as long as I stay on top of the coolant flushes, it should be fine.
For the 2.3L and 3.0L Ecoboost models, you’ll have external water pumps. The 3.5L and 3.7L engines will have internal pumps.
Blake said:
For the 2.3L and 3.0L Ecoboost models, you’ll have external water pumps. The 3.5L and 3.7L engines will have internal pumps.
I didn’t know the 2011 body style had external pumps. That’s new to me.
I change my coolant every 2-3 years. I’ve got a 2016 with the 3.5L NA, and it’s got 118k miles with the original water pump, no issues at all. Regular coolant changes keep the additives in good shape to prevent corrosion.
Does the 2025 model have an external water pump?