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Ford Explorer Radiators

Does your Ford Explorer’s engine frequently overheat because of a bad radiator? Don’t wait for your SUV to stall in the middle of the road—buy a high-quality radiator replacement right away from CarParts.com. Our radiators are sourced from the most trusted aftermarket brands in the industry, so you can rest assured that all Ford Explorer radiators in our catalog were engineered with quality in mind. Check out our products below and order today!
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Radiator, 3.0L/4.0L Engines, 1 in. Core Size, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2173
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$119.49
Product Details
Notes : Automatic Transmission (will fit Manual Transmission, transmission coolant line does not need to be plugged)Core Dimensions : 20.69 x 25.69 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2173Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 6L5Z8005DAReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010151Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 20 5/8 in.Core Width : 25 5/8 in.Core Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : 3277, CU2310, 6L5Z8005DA, FO3010151
Radiator, 4.0L/4.6L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2952
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$130.99
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 25.94 x 25.13 x 1.57 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2952Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 8L2Z8005AReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010281Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 25 1/8 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/2 in.Interchange Part Number : 3568, CU2952, 8L2Z8005A, FO3010281Core Height : 25 7/8 in.
Radiator, 2.8L/2.9L/3.0L/4.0L Engines, Manual Transmission, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P897
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$69.99
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 18 x 18.06 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.44 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 897Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : F1TZ8005DReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010363Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 18 in.Core Width : 18 in.Core Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU897, F1TZ8005D, FO3010363
Radiator, 4.0L/4.6L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2342
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$89.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 21.25 x 25.75 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2342Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 3L2Z8005AAReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010146Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 21 1/4 in.Core Width : 25 3/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2342, 3L2Z8005AA, FO3010146
Radiator, 4.0L/4.6L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2816
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$136.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 25.94 x 25.13 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2816Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : 6L2Z8005ADReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010273Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 25 1/8 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2816, 6L2Z8005AD, FO3010273Core Height : 25 7/8 in.
Radiator, 3.5L/3.7L Engines, Base/Limited/Premiere/SE/SEL Models, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13364
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$90.99
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 28.69 x 19 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : With Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13364Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : EB5Z8005EReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010319Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 19 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : 3666, CU13364, EB5Z8005E, FO3010319Core Height : 28 11/16 in.
Radiator, 3.5L Engine, Base/Limited/XLT Models, Non-Turbo, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13445
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$87.08
Product Details
Notes : Without Power Take-Off HoleCore Dimensions : 28.75 x 18.81 x 0.63 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.06 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.06 in. InletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13445Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : EB5Z8005AWarranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 18 3/4 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 5/8 in.Interchange Part Number : 3667, CU13445, EB5Z8005ACore Height : 28 3/4 in.
Radiator, 4.0L Engine, Heavy Duty Cooling, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P1164
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$106.78
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 18 x 18.13 x 2.19 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.44 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 2-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 1164Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : ZZM115200AReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010221Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 18 in.Core Width : 18 1/8 in.Core Thickness : 2 1/8 In.Interchange Part Number : CU1164, ZZM115200A, FO3010221
Radiator, 2.0L/3.5L Engines, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13327
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$96.05
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 29.63 x 19.19 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.38 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.38 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13327Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : EB5Z8005GReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010340Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 19 1/8 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : 3594, CU13327, EB5Z8005G, FO3010340Core Height : 29 5/8 in.
Radiator, 3.0L Engine, Aluminum Core, Aluminum Tank
Part Number: P13875
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$155.13
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 27.37 x 25.35 x 1.02 in. Core SizeRecommended Use : OE ReplacementTank Material : Aluminum TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishProduct Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : L1MZ8005KReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010370Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyInterchange Part Number : L1MZ8005K, FO3010370
Radiator, 3.5L Engine, Sport Model, With Power Take-Off, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13561
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$129.05
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 28.75 x 20.13 x 1.25 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13561Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : DB5Z8005CReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010341Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 20 1/8 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/4 in.Interchange Part Number : DB5Z8005C, FO3010341Core Height : 28 3/4 in.
Radiator, 4.0L Engine, Heavy Duty Cooling, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2174
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$150.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 20.81 x 25.69 x 2.19 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 2-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2174Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : F77ZBBWarranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 20 3/4 in.Core Width : 25 5/8 in.Core Thickness : 2 1/8 In.Interchange Part Number : 3278, CU2174, F77ZBB
Radiator, 5.0L Engine, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P2308
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$113.49
Product Details
Notes : Automatic Transmission (will fit Manual Transmission, transmission coolant line does not need to be plugged)Core Dimensions : 20.81 x 25.31 x 1 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : With Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletOutlet Location : Bottom left outletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletInlet Location : Top right inletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 2308Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : XL2H8005CAWarranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleReturns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Height : 20 3/4 in.Core Width : 25 1/4 in.Core Thickness : 1 in.Interchange Part Number : CU2308, XL2H8005CA
Radiator, 3.5L/3.7L Engines, Non-Turbo, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13185
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$85.49
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 28.75 x 19.06 x 1.13 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13185Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : AA8Z8005D, AA8Z8005CReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010292, FO3010299Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 19 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/8 in.Interchange Part Number : 3633, CU13185, AA8Z8005D, AA8Z8005C, FO3010292, FO3010299Core Height : 28 3/4 in.
Radiator, 2.3L Engine, Aluminum Core, Plastic Tank
Part Number: P13559
Vehicle Info Required to Guarantee Fit
$112.99
Product Details
Core Dimensions : 28.75 x 20.13 x 1.13 in. Core SizeAutomatic Transmission Cooler : Without Transmission CoolerEngine Oil Cooler : Without Engine Oil CoolerInlet Size : 1.5 in. InletRecommended Use : OE ReplacementNumberof Rows : 1-Row CoreTank Material : Plastic TankCore Material : Aluminum CoreColor Finish : Factory FinishOutlet Size : 1.5 in. OutletReplaces DPI Number : DPI# 13559Product Fit : Direct FitQuantity Sold : Sold individuallyReplaces OE Number : FB5Z8005CReplaces Partslink Number : FO3010343Warranty : 1-year Replacement unlimited-mileage warrantyProp 65 Warning :

Warning SymbolWARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Lead and lead compounds, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Promotions : 4th of July SaleCore Width : 20 1/8 in.Returns Policy : 30-Day Return PolicyCore Thickness : 1 1/8 in.Interchange Part Number : 3795, CU13559, FB5Z8005C, FO3010343Core Height : 28 3/4 in.
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Customer Guides

Tips on How to Maintain Optimal Performance of Your Ford Explorer Radiator

The radiator keeps the internal combustion system of your Ford Explorer from overheating. This is vital in the overall performance of your car and that is why regular maintenance must be observed. Radiators are susceptible to various damage including rust, coolant blockage, damaged caps and water pumps, and leaky hoses. In order to avoid such damage to your radiators, it's best to observe the following maintenance tips:

  • Replace worn and damaged parts.

Each part of the radiator is important and even the smallest damage to any of it may lead to further problems. This is why worn and damaged parts should be replaced immediately. Always look out for broken or brittle hoses and worn belts. Be sure to replace the hose with the correct part number for your Ford Explorer.

  • Don't scrimp on the coolant.

It is extremely important that you provide sufficient amount of coolant or antifreeze to your car's radiator to prevent overheating. Regular changing of coolant is also effective in preventing corrosion of the radiator and engine. Check the level of your coolant on a monthly basis by looking into the overflow tank. Remove sludgy coolant and replace it with 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze.

  • Regular draining and flushing.

Thorough cleaning of your car's radiator is necessary to remove build-up of rust and sediment, which can potentially cause blockage or corrosion. Sludgy or brown appearance of the coolant basically means that it needs to be drained and replaced. You can do this by taking out the plug located in the engine block. Turning off the engine and letting it cool down sufficiently is a must before doing any work on the radiator. Keep in mind that it is extremely dangerous to work with a hot engine.

  • Conduct a pressure test.

Conducting a pressure test will help you identify if there are any external or internal leaks in your radiator as well as verify its capacity to hold a certain amount of pressure. This is performed through the use of a cooling system analyzer. Attach the radiator cap to the tester with an adaptor and pump up the pressure. Monitor the pressure reading. A drop in the value indicates that there is a leak.

Ford Explorer radiators are built to provide cooling for this SUV's powerful and solid engine. A reliable radiator is one the most important parts of a car to keep it running in tiptop condition. However, it is bound to deteriorate and malfunction after some time because of a number of factors including excessive heating, pressure, and corrosion. To keep the ride as cool as the car itself, here are some tips on diagnosing and troubleshooting the most common problems of Ford Explorer radiators:

Blockage and corrosion

Whether due to old age or lack of maintenance, blockage and corrosion are one of the main causes of radiator damage. Rust will eventually take over your radiator and render it useless by clogging it up and rotting holes into the system. Blockage and corrosion are most commonly brought about by failing to the change coolant regularly and could be fixed by routine flushing.

Leakage and its source

Leaking radiators are pretty common and usually indicates an underlying problem in your radiator such as epoxy and solder failure or faulty hoses. Diagnosing the cause of the leakage is important to prevent further damage. Check for puddles of anti-freeze under your car and inspect the radiator hoses and pressure caps. Depending on the source of the leakage, you may apply temporary fixes like cold weld epoxy or have your car checked and repaired immediately by a professional.

Overheating due to low water and coolant level

Insufficient water and coolant is one of the main causes of overheating and this may result to further damages to the radiator. One way to know if your radiator is in danger of overheating is by checking if the temperature gage is approaching the hot range. In this case, pull up and pop up the hood to let the radiator cool down. You may afterwards open the cap and refill the radiator with coolant or water.

Other radiator problems

There are a number of other problems that you may encounter with radiators such as malfunctioning thermostats, damaged water pumps, and faulty ignition wires. If you notice that your car's heating or cooling system is acting unusually, inspect all the radiator parts to see if there is any damage that you should address immediately and if the problem still persists, have it checked by the mechanic.

How much does a Ford Explorer radiator replacement cost?

For DIYers, replacing the radiator should only cost around 100-200 USD. If taken to a mechanic, a radiator replacement could cost about 500-1000 USD.

 

What are quick and easy ways to temporarily plug a sudden Ford Explorer radiator leak?

Although it is much advisable to immediately go for a permanent fix, sometimes a car's radiator may leak in the middle of nowhere. When in this particular situation, the best thing to do is to cover up the leak temporarily to reach the nearest possible repair shop. An easy way is to pour a rack-sized black pepper into the radiator. It will flow down into the hole and harden like a rock for plugging. As an alternative, pepper, paprika, cornmeal, and mustard powder may also be used. However, if the leak is located on one of the hoses, a duct tape can provide a temporary fix. But, keep in mind that these are just temporary fixes and replacing or repairing the leaking Ford Explorer radiator would be much better.

 

What is the difference between down flow and cross flow radiator designs?

In terms of cooling performance, there is no significant difference between down flow and cross flow radiators. However, cross flow types are considered more advantageous when it comes to combating plugging due to dirt build up. The down flow types feature a horizontal top tank and a bottom tank. The positioning makes it easier for the dirt and scale to build up. You see, this would soon plug the tubes and wreck the radiator. On the other hand, cross flow types feature a vertical tank on each side, which makes dirt accumulate at the bottom of the tank. So, these restrict only the bottom tubes unlike the down flow types that cause plugging on the top. In general, cross flow types are more durable in the long run. Luckily most modern Ford Explorers employ cross flow radiator designs.