2000 Ford Explorer 5.0 V8 Leaking coolant

Ford diagram for Explorer . The diagram also says Navigator although it is the factory Explorer location illustration .

I'm guessing you can't find it because it's in a separate housing or located under the lower battery tray in the housing (depending on model of engine). Even though this is specific for 1998; I believe it's the same for 1996-1999 Taurus's. I have access to illustrations, but only .gif and/or .bmp extensions were available which would not copy here. If you need these, I will try an extension change to .jpg. Good luck, this should be enough info. It is helpful to include the engine size in question, for future reference...

Thermostat, Water

CAUTION: Do not mix Standard (green) Coolant with Extended Life Coolant (orange). If mixing occurs, drain engine cooling system and refill with originally equipped coolant type. If this contamination occurs the service change interval on Extended Life Coolant will be reduced from 6 years/150,000 miles to 3 years/30,000 miles.
1. WARNING: NEVER REMOVE THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP UNDER ANY CONDITIONS WHILE THE ENGINE IS OPERATING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE COOLING SYSTEM OR ENGINE AND/OR PERSONAL INJURY. TO AVOID HAVING SCALDING HOT COOLANT OR STEAM BLOW OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM OR DEGAS BOTTLE, USE EXTREME CARE WHEN REMOVING THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP FROM A HOT COOLING SYSTEM OR DEGAS BOTTLE. WAIT UNTIL THE ENGINE HAS COOLED, THEN WRAP A THICK CLOTH AROUND THE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP AND TURN IT SLOWLY UNTIL PRESSURE BEGINS TO RELEASE. STEP BACK WHILE THE PRESSURE IS RELEASED FROM THE COOLING SYSTEM. WHEN CERTAIN ALL PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELEASED, PRESS DOWN ON THE PRESSURE CAP (STILL WITH A CLOTH), TURN AND REMOVE PRESSURE RELIEF CAP

THE ABOVE APPLIES TO ALL MODELS

3.0L (2V) Engine
Removal
Drain the engine cooling system so that the engine coolant level is below the water thermostat (8575) as described.
2.Disconnect the upper radiator hose (8260) from the water hose connection (8592) .
3.Remove the three water inlet connection retaining bolts. Remove the water hose connection .
4.Remove the gasket and water thermostat from the water hose connection . Do not reuse gasket.
Installation
1.Install the water thermostat , gasket and water hose connection as illustrated.
2.Install and alternately tighten the retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 10-14 Nm (89-124 lb-in).
3.Connect the upper radiator hose to the water hose connection .
4.Fill the engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (green), (in Oregon, F5FZ-19549-CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA (orange), or DEX-COOL coolant, or a coolant meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D and water, as described under Cooling System, Draining, Filling and Bleeding procedure.
5.Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the water thermostat opens.
6.Stop the engine. Top off degas bottle as required to maintain minimum cold fill level.

3.0L (4V) Engine
Removal
Drain the engine cooling system so that the engine coolant level is below the water thermostat ; refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.
2.Raise vehicle on hoist.
3.Disconnect the lower radiator hose (8286) from the water inlet connection.
4.Remove the two water inlet connection retaining bolts. Remove the water inlet connection.
5.Remove the O-ring seal and water thermostat from the water thermostat housing. Inspect O-ring for damage and replace if necessary.
6.If required, remove water thermostat housing retaining bolts, water thermostat housing and O-ring from lower radiator hose tube. Inspect O-ring for damage and replace if necessary.

Installation
1.Install the water thermostat , O-ring, water thermostat housing (if removed) as shown.
2.Install and alternately tighten the retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 8-12 Nm (71-106 lb-in).
3.Connect the lower radiator hose to the water inlet connection.
4.Lower vehicle.
5.Fill the engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (green), (in Oregon, F5FZ-19549-CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA (orange), or DEX-COOL coolant, or a coolant meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D and water; refer to Cooling System, Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.
6.Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the water thermostat opens.
7.Stop the engine. Top off degas bottle as required to maintain minimum cold fill level.

3.4L SHO
Removal
Drain the engine cooling system so that the engine coolant level is below the water thermostat ; refer to Cooling System, Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.
2.Remove battery.
3.Remove power distribution box.
4.Remove battery tray.
5.Disconnect upper radiator hose and position out of the way.
6.Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the water inlet connection (8K528) .
7.Remove the two retaining bolts. Remove the water inlet connection .
8.Remove the O-ring seal and water thermostat from the water pump (8501) . Inspect O-ring for damage and replace if necessary.

Thermostat

Installation
1.Install the water thermostat , O-rings and water inlet connection as illustrated.
2.Install and alternately tighten the retaining bolts. Tighten bolts to 8-12 Nm (71-106 lb-in).
3.Connect the lower radiator hose to the water inlet connection .
4.Install upper radiator hose . Position spring clamp securely.
5.Install battery tray.
6.Install power distribution box.
7.Install battery.
8.Fill the engine cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (green), (in Oregon, F5FZ-19549-CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-10), or Ford Extended Life Engine Coolant F6AZ-19544-AA (orange), or DEX-COOL coolant, or a coolant meeting Ford specification WSS-M97B44-D and water; refer to Cooling System, Draining, Filling and Bleeding in this section.
9.Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the water thermostat opens.
10.Stop the engine. Top off degas bottle as required to maintain minimum cold fill level.

The thermostat is in the housing where the upper radiator hose connects to the intake manifold.
Is the intake manifold what you are talking about ?

make sure the engine is fully warmed up (check the temp gauge and feel the top hose from the radiator to the engine) that hose should be HOT and it you should NOT be able to calopse it-it should feel hard. If you do not have a leak under these conditions, you probably just have an overfull surge tank and it 'puked' out some fluid. If you top radiator hose is NOT hard after the engine is fully warmed up, you have something wrong-it could be as simple as a radiator cap that is not sealing properly, or a leaky hose, an intake manifold leak, or an internal leak in the engine (don't rule out a leaking radiator, it has end tanks that can and do leak).

IF YOU GOT TOO MUCH WATER IN COOLANT SYSTEM AND DONT HAVE 50 / 50 MIXTURE OF ANTIFREEZE AND WATER. WATER WILL EVAPORATE BOIL AWAY.CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAKS LOOK AT TOP AND BOTTOM RADIATOR HOSES LEAKS, CHECK FOR COOLANT LEAKS AROUND BOTH RADIATOR CONTAINER AND RADIATOR CORES LEAKING. CHECK WATER PUMP WEEP HOLE. IF LEAKING WATER NEED REPLACING, CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE ANTIFREEZE WILL LEAK IN CRANK CASE OR LEAK IN THE INTAKE GASKET COOLANT WILL BURN WITH FUEL.MANY THINGS WILL CAUSE COOLANT LOST.

1. 1 Drain the coolant from your Explorer into an adequate container by opening the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Save the coolant for reuse if it is relatively new and clean.
   
2. 2 Remove the negative battery cable from the battery if your Explorer has a 2.9-, 3.0-, 4.0- or 5.0-liter engine. This step is not necessary for 2.3- and 2.5-liter engines.
   
3. 3 Follow the upper radiator hose to the front driver's side of the intake manifold, where it meets the engine. This is where the thermostat housing on your Ford Explorer is located. If necessary, remove the air cleaner duct for easy access to the housing.
   
4. 4 Loosen the clip on the end of the radiator hose and pull the hose off the thermostat housing. Use a 10mm wrench or socket to remove the two retaining bolts on the thermostat housing cover. Remove the cover.
   
5. 5 Note the position of the thermostat before removal. Pull out the old thermostat. Seat the new thermostat inside the housing in the same position as the old one, spring-side facing into the engine. Install new gasket over the thermostat.
   
6. 6 Reattach the thermostat housing cover and the radiator hose. Reinstall the air cleaner duct if removed earlier. Fill the radiator with reserve or new coolant. Start your Explorer and run with the heater blowing until the engine gets warm. Check for leaks.
   

Read more: How to Change the Thermostat in a Ford Explorer ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4484916_change-thermostat-ford-explorer.html#ixzz1CLSvmPwR

check to make sure the coolant is running freely into and out of the radiator. you can do this by squeezing the inlet and outlet hoses when the engine is cold, so you dont burn your hand.
also while the engine is cold, open the reserve/overflow cap outside the radiator, usually next to the side wall. with the cap off, one by one squeeze each cooling system hose, and see if it backs or forces coolant into or out of the overflow reservoir. if coolant comes out of the top inlet hole when squeezing a hose, the thermostat is probably stuck closed, if the coolant in the reservoir bubbles from below, you probably have a clog in the engine ports where the coolant passes by the head to cool it off. if you have ever put only water in the radiator instead of the proper mixture of coolant to water. there could be some mineral or calcium deposits clogging things.

ENGINE NOT GOING TO START IF GET TOO HOT FIRST THING I WOULD REPLACE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR PRESSURE CAP THEN ADD COOLANT UNTIL COOLANT LEVEL CORRECT THATS WHEN THERMOSTAT OPEN UP AND TOP HOSE HOT.CHECK FOR LEAKING RADIATOR HOSES CHECK TOP RADIATOR HOSE CHECK BOTTOM RADIATOR HOSE.CHECK FOR LEAKS AROUND THE RADIATOR LOOK DOWN BELOW COOLANTS FANS CHECK FOR LEAKS AT RADIATOR CORES OR LEAKS AT THE RADIATOR PLASTIC SIDE CONTAINERS. CHECK FOR LEAKS AT WATER PUMP WEEP HOLE AND CHECK FOR LEAKS AT THE HEATER HOSES AROUND ENGINE BLOCK TO THE HEATER CORE HOSES. THERE IS A REASON CAR OVERHEAT.IF CAR OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING YOU HAVE FAULTY THERMOSTAT OR LEAKING OUT COOLANT OR BLOWN HEAD GASKET.IF ENGINE OVER HEAT WHILE SITTING DURING A LONG IDLING PERIOD.YOU COULD HAVE FAULTY COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR OR FAULTY COOLING FAN FUSE OR RELAY.HOT WIRE COOLANT TO SEE IF IT RUNS IF NO REPLACE FAN MOTOR. IF YES FAN MOTOR COULD HAVE FAULTY WIRE OR PCM FAILURE. CHECK ENGINE CRANKCASE IF OIL LOOKS LIKE MILK SHAKE ENGINE HEAD GASKET LEAKING.

These are the steps to replace the thermostat but are applicable to remove and replace the housing also. 2.0L DOHC Zetec Engine WARNING Do not mix Standard (green) Coolant with Extended Life Coolant (orange). If mixing occurs, drain engine cooling system and refill with originally equipped coolant type. If this contamination occurs the service change interval on Extended Life Coolant will be reduced from 6 years/150,000 miles to 3 years/30,000 miles.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   
2. Drain the engine coolant to a point below the water thermostat.
   
3. Disconnect the connector from the camshaft position sensor.
   
4. Remove the bolts and move to one side the water hose connection.
   

Remove the water thermostat and seal from the water thermostat housing.

Inspect the seal and the water thermostat.

To install:

1. Replace the thermostat and seal into the housing.
   
2. Connect the connector to the camshaft position sensor.
   
3. Fill the cooling system.
   
4. Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the water thermostat opens.
   
5. Stop the engine. Top off the coolant recovery reservoir as necessary to maintain minimum cold fill level.
   

2.0L SOHC Spi Engine

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
   
2. Remove the air cleaner outlet tube.
   
3. Drain the engine coolant to a point below the water thermostat.
   
4. Disconnect the water temperature indicator sender unit and the engine coolant temperature sensor electrical connectors.
   
5. Disconnect the upper radiator hose and the heater coolant hose from the water thermostat housing.
   
6. Remove the water thermostat housing bolts, the water thermostat housing, and the water thermostat.
   

To install:
NOTE Make sure all of the gasket surfaces are free of all gasket material. Make sure the tabs on the engage properly into slots in thermostat housing.

1. Install the thermostat housing bolts, thermostat housing and the thermostat.
   
2. Connect the upper radiator hose and the heater coolant hose to the thermostat housing.
   
3. Connect the water temperature indicator sender unit and the engine coolant temperature sensor electrical connectors.
   
4. Fill the cooling system with only Ford Premium Engine Coolant E2FZ-19549-AA (in Oregon F5FZ-19549-CC, in Canada, Motorcraft CXC-8-B) or equivalent meeting Ford specification in a 50/50 mixture with water.
   
5. Start the engine and check all hoses and connections for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up so that the water thermostat opens.
   
6. Stop the engine. Top off coolant recovery reservoir as required to maintain minimum cold fill level.
   

have the rubber hoses in th cooling system checked by a shop, one of them is leaking.