How to Change a Ford Explorer Radiator
Posted by James on May 20, 2012 · 25 Comments
If you own a Ford Explorer with a 5.0 liter and you have to replace the radiator then you might want to watch this video. It will show you how to install a new radiator in under 30 minutes.
I actually did not need to get those tools. I just jammed a 17mm combination wrench on one of the water pump pulley bolts, and then? with one of the bolts on the accessories pulley to the upper right. that kept the pulley from moving and just used a plain old adjustable wrench to turn the fan nut.
You cut out some of the scenes that I was specifically hoping to see. Like the actual physical removal and replacement of the fan after it has? been unscrewed. Or separating the condenser.
Many Auto Parts Stores will loan you Fan Clutch tools for free Just ask around. They will take a deposit that is equal to the cost of the kit and refund it entirely when you return the kit. In my case it was 65 bucks at Advance Auto.?
Many Auto Parts Stores will loan you Fan Clutch tools for free Just ask around. They will take a deposit that is equal to the cost of the kit and refund it entirely when you return the kit. In? my case it was 65 bucks at Advance Auto.
Thanks for posting this great video!? Are there any differences between this Ford Explorer with a 5.0 L and a 2006 Ford Explorer with a V-6 as far as pulling the radiator?
I was just? yankin your chain. I’m verry annoyed over my own Explorer acting up.
just? stating the facts sir. not showin off
Nobody likes a showoff, Mr. R.?
@Tubstinator02
@Tubstinator02
You can rent it from Advance Auto Parts (Powerbuilt Kit # 34) or buy it form Amazon? (Performance Model# W80585)
You do NOT have to pull the condenser as posted below. I was able to do the job in about 4 hours without removing the condenser. Take your time. hardleysane1’s posts below were helpful for me as was this thread:
Search “Removing radiator from condensor on a 5.0?” on Explorer Forums dot com
What are the exact sizes for the fan clutch tools we need to remove the fan? Or do I need to buy a full set of? fan clutch tools?
:35 wrong! i just did the radiatior on my 2000? explorer with a 5.0,i simply unbolted the fan shroud and layed it on the fan,unbolted the condensor and removed the radiatior with the condensor.had the whole job done in less than 2 hours,easiest radiatior iv ever done.
Jeff – can you do a video on how to replace a water pump on a 1996 Ford Explorer V6 automatic with a/c ….. thanks
PS – could you do it? asap!
you also need those two fan clutch tools to replace the water pump…I was wondering why I was going ape shit trying to? take the fan off…all it did was spin even when I was holding the shaft with a pair of channel locks…they dont tell you that after you buy the pump…I had to get a Chiltons manual to find out…extra 40 bucks
redneck? white niggertrash!
Great help. Thank you!?
Great howto video. I’m getting? ready to pull one from my Explorer…hope it goes well!
from the passengers side I pushed the condenser all the way to the drivers side with one hand and the other hand kind of wiggled the radiator out of the rail style clips. The condenser has SOME wiggle room built into it with the rubber lines they use however they don’t have much.So that’s how I did it, and the new one goes on in the opposite order,? slide clips first, then the bottom clips. Take your time with it and shouldn’t have a problem.I completed removal and installation in about 2 hours
I figured out the condenser. This video doesn’t show it but the two sliding clips on the Driver side aren’t the only ones. There are two additional clips, one on the driver side which you don’t really have to worry about, and one on the Passengers bottom. It unclips fairly easy to release the bottom of the radiator and when done the driver side bottom clip (really small one) should almost just come off. Once that is done, you should be able to (sorry for the long post to? be continued)
I Gave up trying to? figure out how to slide the condensor into the new radiator. So i took pictures and went down to the local mechanic and he said you have to recover the refrigerant and disconnect the condensor lines and remove the unit and than with both the condensor and the radiator out of the vehicle you can mate the two together and than place them as one unit back into the vehicle. Then restore the refrigerant abd reconnect the condensor lines.
He said he could do it for 150.00, DEAL!
After 7 hours I have taken a screw driver and broke/cut away the top part of the clips on the old radiator ….SUCCESS!!!!! the radiator is out, now going to fight to get new one in. ?
You are so right!!!!, I have a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer, So far I am 6 hours into trying to figure out these clips. I have discovered a clip on the bottom left of the condensor as well, this one seperates fairly easy, then the idea is to push the condensor to the right until free. PROBLEM that video does not show is the Condensor can’t? move far enough to the right because the vehicle chasy is in the way. Video skips this part
We are currently making more videos with more detailed info for the DIY . If you have a video you? would like to see, let us know. We will make another one on the Ford Explorer with a few other Fords that have this problem. Jeff
50/50 mix is not a good bargain. One of the? biggest rip offs in the parts industry. You are getting half the product of the 100%, at a *little* cheaper price. Say your system has two gallon capacity. You have to buy two gallons of 50/50 @ $8.50ea (price I saw at Walmart) Total =$17.00. One gallon of full strength costs ~ $10.00, plus one gallon distilled water@ $0.78 = $10.78. Of course the AF mfg’s are trying to get it all changed over in the name of “safety.” Don’t get chumped buying 50/50.
Sorry, but this sounds like a page out of the Haynes manual–“Installation is the reverse of removal.” “If you do everything right, the radiator should come out this easy.” Really? I’ve read a lot of forums of people having to push, pull, pry, curse, get an assistant to help, cut off excess plastic on tabs, etc., even giving up and calling a tow truck. Maybe you could concentrate on showing the clip locations, & the real? secrets behind condenser separation?
thanks for? showing how to change a radiator cuz im changing mine on my ford explorer 2000 in the summer ur good thanks a lot