1995 Ford Explorer Thermostat

CORYUS

MEMBER
1995 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
220,000 MILES

I recently replaced my water pump and when I did I noticed that my radiator cap had a red mud like substance on it. I fear that I may have some antifreeze that had been mixed that was not compatible and gelled up my fluid. After the water pump change I bought a flush kit and flushed out my system. Up until today it has been running fine, but now my temp has been fluctuating eratic. I changed out my thermostat and thought that was the problem. But it is still doing it. Could it be the temp sensor? Was there more issues with the red mud that I may have missed? I noticed that my return hose from the thermostat to the radiator is collapsed and wonder if there is blockage. Any ideas?

1 Reply

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

First do you have transmission cooler lines in the radiator? If so check your transmission fluid level and see if their is antifreeze in it.

Next you should replace the collapsed hose, that can cause a overheating problem and irratic temperature, also a bad coolant temp sensor or coolant temp sending unit could cause fluctuating temperature, along with a low antifreeze level,

have you found this red mud when flushing out the system? Or weird colored antifreeze, if not dont worry about it.