Before You Begin:
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
2. Coolant Drain: Allow the engine to cool completely. Locate the radiator drain petcock (usually at the bottom of the radiator) and drain the coolant into a suitable container. This is crucial to avoid spills and burns.
3. Gather Tools: You'll need various tools including screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), wrenches (metric), pliers, a drain pan, and possibly a radiator support removal tool (depending on the design).
Removal Procedure (General Steps):
1. Disconnect Radiator Hoses: Carefully disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses. Have a container ready to catch any remaining coolant. Use pliers or hose clamps to loosen the clamps securely holding the hoses to the radiator. Sometimes it's easier to cut the hose clamps with a sturdy pair of pliers and replace them with new ones.
2. Disconnect Transmission Cooler Lines (if applicable): If your automatic transmission cooler lines are connected to the radiator, disconnect them carefully. Again, have a container to catch any fluid. These lines often have a quick-connect fitting.
3. Disconnect Radiator Fan: Disconnect the electrical connectors to the radiator fan motor and shroud.
4. Remove Radiator Support: Depending on your Explorer's design, the radiator support might need to be removed or partially loosened to get sufficient clearance. Consult your repair manual for the specific procedure. This often involves removing bolts or screws securing the support to the vehicle's frame.
5. Remove Radiator: Carefully lift the radiator out of the engine compartment. It's relatively heavy when full of coolant, so be prepared to support its weight. You may need assistance.
6. Clean Up: Once the radiator is removed, clean up any spilled coolant and dispose of it properly according to local regulations.
Important Considerations:
* Transmission Cooler Lines: These are often integrated into the radiator. Be extremely careful during their disconnection and re-installation to prevent damage and leaks.
* Radiator Support: The design of this component varies slightly between years and models. Carefully follow your repair manual's instructions.
* A/C Condenser: The A/C condenser is often located in front of the radiator. You may need to carefully maneuver it out of the way to access and remove the radiator.
Reinstallation:
Follow the steps in reverse order, ensuring all connections are secure and tight. Bleed the cooling system properly after reinstallation to remove any air pockets. Refer to your repair manual for instructions on this process. Failure to properly bleed the system can lead to overheating and engine damage.
This is a simplified guide. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 1998 Ford Explorer 5.0L 2WD for detailed instructions and diagrams. If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly removing or reinstalling the radiator can lead to damage to your vehicle and potentially serious injury.
