2004 Ford Explorer Coolant leakage

Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
My antifreeze is leaking and everytime I go and get an oil change or top off they tell me it's low. I smell it and I noticed the temperature gauge began to rise to almost hot while I'm sitting, and when I start to drive it goes back down. Is this something that is costly to have repaired, I'm not a mechanic but I'm assuming there's a whole somewhere in order for the antifreeze to be on my garage floor.
Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 7:22 AM

10 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

The leak may be a hose, radiator, welsh plug or water pump, if you get a cooling system pressure test done this will help locate the leak, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
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Hello,

I appreciate your response. Are any of these repairs very costly, I just want to prepare financially for this, I'm hoping it won't be.
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 7:52 AM
Tiny
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4 cyl explorer? Mitchell 1 only shows 6 or V8.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 8:16 AM
Tiny
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I have a 6 cylinder
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 8:40 AM
Tiny
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Ok, that better, a water pump will be in the order of $180.00 and about 1.5 Hrs labour (check local rates) a radiator about $240.00 and 2.5 hrs, at the age of the car I could not see it being core plugs so I would be expecting the pump or hoses, radiator, hoses will vary in cost, they will be some what cheaper after market and the quality is just as good, I do not have hose prices to hand just now.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
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Thank you so much, you've been very helpful!
I guess the timing isn't bad, better to get this resolved than the horrible winter time!

Does this have to do with your heating also, I had some problems with the heater where there was a horrible clicking sound and I got that repaired thank goodness at the time it was under warranty it was a hefty price, I was told Explorer's are notorious for the heat problems. I don't ever want another used car again, this is the 2nd time, and each time I had to purchase one because of an emergency of my vehicle being at the breaking point. My last car a mercury sable I had over 200,000 miles on it, and it last for 11 years.
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
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With the loss of coolant you can get air trapped in the heater core and this will affect the heating ability, often you can hear a liquid like swishing sound in the dash, thi sis low coolant and air in the heater core and heater hoses.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:09 AM
Tiny
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That's good to know, again I appreciate the knowledge you are providing me. If I can hold out for 2 more years with this vehicle that would be a great relief for me and less of a burden.
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
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OK, well you know where to go for all your car care questions, thank you for using 2carpros, your feedback is always welcome.

Mark (mhpautos) in Australia.
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
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Thank You!
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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 10:16 AM

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