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chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer


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Matt98svt
Novice

Dec 9, 2016, 5:29 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1607 views)
chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Hi all. I just had to replace the radiator in my 07 explorer 4.0liter v6 after i found a crack in it. Also replaced the thermostat housing since it was leaking as well. Filled up the new radiator with coolant (heater set to on)and let it run awhile with the cap off. Check engine light came on after prob 30 miles of driving it, code p0128, I this it was, low coolant temp reading.. Looking at the gauge, it does not come up to the lowest mark of what is considered normal operating temp range is. I pulled the thermost and it seemed to open and close fine. So then replaced the coolant temp sensor...same low reading. Thinking I should drain all the coolant out and put it back in hoping to eliminate any air pockets..any other advice.


Discretesignals
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Dec 9, 2016, 5:40 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1603 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Did you replace both upper and lower halves of the thermostat housing?







Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 9, 2016, 5:41 PM)


Hammer Time
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Dec 9, 2016, 5:55 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1596 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

You likely still have air in the system.



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Matt98svt
Novice

Dec 9, 2016, 6:06 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1591 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Thank you for the replies. I did replace both halves, in fact it came put together with the thermostat installed. I bought the dorman brand housing because the leaking ford housing being replaced was only 1.5 years old. I feel like it must have air in the system as well. Another thing I have noticed is the overflow always stays at the same amount no matter hot or cold. Gonna drain all the coolant out tomorrow and try to find some good instructions on filling it properly to get all air out as I don't believe these have any type of bleeder valve


Hammer Time
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Dec 9, 2016, 6:08 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1585 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Using a vacuum fill is about the only reliable way to get all the air out.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Discretesignals
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Dec 9, 2016, 6:35 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1575 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

You can also remove the coolant temperature sensor and then fill it up till the coolant comes up the sensor hole.

I wonder if it wouldn't hurt to put a motorcraft thermostat in it. I don't know how much I would trust a Dorman thermostat or whatever they use. Maybe that thermostat is opening too early.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.

(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 9, 2016, 6:36 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
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Dec 9, 2016, 9:34 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1557 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Quote from post #4 ">Another thing I have noticed is the overflow always stays at the same amount no matter hot or cold.<"


Hmmm: Seems like this isn't holding pressure or intact between overflow tank and radiator. Air = wrong readings and or thermostat really is opening way too early also.


Vacuum for vacuum fill may not hold vacuum you would also see it not hold a pressure test. Seems like two issues, thermostat AND system isn't tight,


T



Matt98svt
Novice

Dec 15, 2016, 10:23 AM

Post #8 of 9 (1527 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Ok, so installed a new temp sensor and thermostat and drained the system of coolant to try again. I pulled it up on ramps(read that might help get air out) and tried filling the car with coolant again. the new thermostat did not fit properly as coolant flowed out everywhere around the seal as soon as I cranked the car so could not use it. Put both thermostats in boiling water though and they opened the same though, both rated @192 degrees. Using my scan tool the car is only getting up to about 131 degrees per the reading from the coolant temp sensor. The heater blows mildly warm and the hose running to the heater core gets warm. The lower radiator hose seems to stay cold though and does not feel like it has any pressure on it. I have driven it several one hour trips now and it never overheats and once or twice it has slightly gotten just at the normal temp lowest mark but will always fall down below that after a few mins. It does look like some of the coolant has been sucked out of the resovior now as well also. Last, the large tan plastic main fan that comes off the front of the engine constantly turns as I gather it's supposed to and every so often I will hear like a secondary fan kick in then shut back off. I believe maybe there is large amount of air maybe in the heater core or somewhere but not sure how to force it out. Possibly undoing one of the hoses to the heater core and pouring coolant in there? Any advice on what to do next?


(This post was edited by Matt98svt on Dec 15, 2016, 10:27 AM)


Discretesignals
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Dec 15, 2016, 10:50 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1515 views)
Re: chk engine-low coolant temp after radiator replace 07explorer Sign In

Something has to be up with that thermostat or how the thermostat is sealed inside the housing. Coolant has to be flowing through the radiator when it shouldn't be. Did you use a Motorcraft thermostat? Usually when you have air pockets, the engine will overheat not run too cold.

Make sure the coolant is full and then pinch off the upper rad hose and see if your temperature goes up. If you have a inferred thermometer measure at the coolant sensor body and other various points to see what temperature readings you get.





Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.






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