2018 Ford Explorer Thermostats – Restore Cooling Accuracy with OEM Precision

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Explorer Thermostats 2018 – Engineered for Reliable Temperature Regulation

The thermostat in your 2018 Ford Explorer is responsible for regulating coolant flow between the engine and radiator. If the thermostat fails, it can cause overheating, lack of cabin heat, or erratic temperature readings—which may lead to engine damage or reduced efficiency.

OEM thermostats are built to Ford’s exact specifications, ensuring that the valve opens and closes at the correct temperature to maintain optimal engine performance. Constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant materials, these components are designed for long service life and a perfect factory fit—no guesswork required.

Whether you're performing routine maintenance or addressing a cooling issue, genuine OEM thermostats are the trusted solution.

Motorcraft™ Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing

Part Number: RH-193
Ford Ford
Applications: 3.5L W/TURBO.
Other Names: Motorcraft™ Thermostat Outlet, Motorcraft™ Water Outlet, Connection Water Outlet
Description: MKT. Flex. 3.5L turbo. Explorer. With turbo. Taurus. MKS. Police Interceptor Utility.
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Explorer,
    • Flex,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Taurus
  • Lincoln:
    • MKS,
    • MKT
MSRP $70.00
$48.72

Motorcraft™ Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing O-Ring

Part Number: RTS-1081
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with housing assembly. Included with thermostat housing.
Applications: 3.7L. 5.0L. 3.3L. 3.5L W/O TURBO. 5.2L GT350, GT350R.
Other Names: Motorcraft™ Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Gasket, Motorcraft™ Thermostat Housing Gasket, Motorcraft™ Housing Gasket, Motorcraft™...
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Edge,
    • Expedition,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • Flex,
    • Fusion,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Taurus,
    • Taurus X,
    • Transit-150,
    • Transit-250,
    • Transit-350,
    • Transit-350 HD
  • Lincoln:
    • Continental,
    • MKS,
    • MKT,
    • MKX,
    • MKZ,
    • Navigator
  • Mercury:
    • Sable
MSRP $16.85
$10.85

Gasket

Part Number: 3M4Z-8255-A
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with thermostat housing.
Applications: 2.5L. 2.3L. 2.0L W/O TURBO. 2.0L W/O HYBRID.
Other Names: Thermostat Unit Gasket, Thermostat Gasket, Housing Gasket
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • EcoSport,
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Explorer,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Mustang,
    • Special Service Police Sedan,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit Connect
  • Lincoln:
    • MKC,
    • MKT,
    • MKZ
  • Mercury:
    • Milan
MSRP $19.00
$13.34

Engine Cylinder Head Bolt

Part Number: W503279-S437
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with water manifold. Included with thermostat housing.
Other Names: Engine Intake Manifold Bolt, Adapter Bolt, Thermostat Housing Screw, Thermostat Outlet Bolt, Thermostat Housing Bolt, Engine Oil...
Description: 3.7L. 6.7L, 2020-22. 4.6L, 2007-09. Thermostat hsng,screw. 2021-23. 3.5L, m6x30mm. 6 x 30mm. All Required.
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Edge,
    • Expedition,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • F-250 Super Duty,
    • F-350 Super Duty,
    • F-450 Super Duty,
    • Flex,
    • Fusion,
    • GT,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit-150,
    • Transit-250,
    • Transit-350,
    • Transit-350 HD
  • Lincoln:
    • Continental,
    • MKS,
    • MKT,
    • MKX,
    • MKZ,
    • Navigator
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

By-Pass Valve

Part Number: BT4Z-7H322-B
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with inlet tube. Included with cooler line. Included with outlet tube. Included with Tube assembly. Included with connector pipe.
Other Names: Valve, Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Thermostat, Valve Assembly
Replaces: BT4Z-7H322-A
Description: 1.0L. 3.7L, 2010-16. 3.5L, without trailer pkg. 2.0L, with trailer pkg., 2015-18. 2.7L, without trailer pkg., 2015-18. 3.5L with...
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • EcoSport,
    • Edge,
    • Explorer,
    • Flex,
    • Police Interceptor Utility
  • Lincoln:
    • MKS,
    • MKT,
    • MKX
MSRP $150.88
$105.01

Water Pump Assembly Mount Bolt

Part Number: W716735-S437
Ford Ford
Other Names: Water Pump Assembly Bolt, Upper Housing Bolt, Adapter Bolt, Thermostat Bolt, Mount Bolt, Thermostat Screw, Cooling System Bypass...
Replaces: N807079-S427
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Explorer,
    • Flex,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Mustang,
    • Ranger
  • Lincoln:
    • MKC,
    • MKZ
  • Mercury:
    • Cougar,
    • Mariner,
    • Milan
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

Adapter Gasket

Part Number: CJ5Z-8255-A
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with adapter. Included with water outlet.
Other Names: Water Outlet Gasket, Cooling System Bypass Line Adapter Gasket, Engine Coolant Outlet Gasket, Seal Thermostat, rg636
Description: 2.0L dohc. 2.0L, 2017-19. 2.0L turbo. 2.3L turbo.
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • EcoSport,
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Explorer,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Special Service Police Sedan,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit Connect
  • Lincoln:
    • MKC,
    • MKT,
    • MKZ
MSRP $8.20
$5.28

Engine Coolant Outlet Housing Bolt

Part Number: W500014-S437
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with thermostat housing.
Other Names: Thermostat Outlet Screw, Thermostat Outlet Bolt, Water Manifold Screw, Crankshaft Sensor Bolt, Oil Return Tube Bolt, Water Pump...
Replaces: W500014-S303
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • EcoSport,
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Expedition,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • Fiesta,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Maverick,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit-150,
    • Transit-250,
    • Transit-350,
    • Transit-350 HD
  • Lincoln:
    • Continental,
    • Corsair,
    • MKC,
    • MKT,
    • MKX,
    • MKZ,
    • Navigator
  • Mercury:
    • Cougar,
    • Mountaineer
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

Genuine Ford Bolt

Part Number: -W503278-S437
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with water pump. Included with thermostat housing.
Other Names: Auxiliary Pump Bolt, Water Pump Bolt, Adapter Bolt, Water Outlet Bolt, Belt Tensioner Bolt, Connector Tube Bolt, Thermostat Outlet...
Description: Sold Individually M6 x 27mm
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • E-350 Super Duty,
    • E-450 Super Duty,
    • Edge,
    • Expedition,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • F-250 Super Duty,
    • F-350 Super Duty,
    • Flex,
    • Fusion,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Ranger,
    • Taurus,
    • Taurus X,
    • Transit-150,
    • Transit-250,
    • Transit-350,
    • Transit-350 HD
  • Lincoln:
    • Continental,
    • MKS,
    • MKT,
    • MKX,
    • MKZ,
    • Navigator
  • Mercury:
    • Sable
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

Door Interior Trim Panel Bolt

Part Number: W500214-S437
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with separator. Included with Water pump assembly.
Other Names: Door Trim Panel Bolt, Separator Screw, Shield Screw, Thermostat Housing Bolt, Engine Water Pump Outlet Pipe Bolt, Outlet Pipe Screw,...
Replaces: W500214-S309
Description: Door Interior Trim Panel Bolt - Ford (W500214-S437) The Door Interior Trim Panel Bolt – Ford (W500214-S437) is a Genuine OEM...
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Bronco,
    • Bronco Sport,
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • Fiesta,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Maverick,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Responder Hybrid,
    • Ranger,
    • Special Service Police Sedan,
    • SSV Plug-In Hybrid,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit Connect
  • Lincoln:
    • Continental,
    • Corsair,
    • MKC,
    • MKZ,
    • Nautilus
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

Motorcraft™ Engine Coolant Outlet Gasket

Part Number: RG-636
Ford Ford
Notes: Included with adapter. Included with water outlet.
Other Names: Motorcraft™ Adapter Gasket, Motorcraft™ Cooling System Bypass Line Adapter Gasket, Motorcraft™ Water Outlet Gasket, Seal Thermostat
Description: 2.0L dohc. 2.0L 2017-19. 2.0L turbo. 2.3L turbo.
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • EcoSport,
    • Edge,
    • Escape,
    • Explorer,
    • Focus,
    • Fusion,
    • Special Service Police Sedan,
    • Taurus,
    • Transit Connect
  • Lincoln:
    • MKC,
    • MKT,
    • MKZ
MSRP $8.20
$5.28

Engine Oil Filter Adapter Bolt

Part Number: W503283-S437
Ford Ford
Other Names: Adapter Bolt, Connector Pipe Bolt, Adapter Mount Bolt, Water Outlet Bolt, Thermostat Outlet Bolt, Engine Coolant Outlet Housing...
Description: 5.0L, m6x1.00. 3.7L. 5.0L, main, single alternator, m6x27mm. 5.0L, m6x1.00mm. 3.5L turbo. From 1/16/09. To 1/15/09. 5.2L with...
Fits:
  • Ford:
    • Edge,
    • Explorer,
    • F-150,
    • Fusion,
    • Mustang,
    • Police Interceptor Sedan,
    • Police Interceptor Utility,
    • Taurus
  • Lincoln:
    • MKS,
    • MKX,
    • MKZ
MSRP $4.00
$2.34

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Why Choose OEM Thermostats for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

OEM Fitment – Designed for factory specifications to ensure precise performance. 

Prevents Failures – Maintains optimal operation and longevity. 

Durable Construction – Made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials. 

Efficient Operation – Ensures proper function and system protection. 

Easy Installation – Direct bolt-on replacement with no modifications required.

Compatible Ford Explorer Trims

These OEM thermostats are compatible with the following 2018 Ford Explorer engine options:

  • 2.3L EcoBoost I4

  • 3.5L Ti-VCT V6

  • 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (Sport and Platinum)

Thermostat location, housing design, and temperature settings may vary by engine. Confirm fitment using your VIN or OE part number before purchase.

Signs Your 2018 Explorer Needs a New Thermostat

🚙 Temperature gauge fluctuates or spikes unexpectedly 

🚙 Overheating during normal driving 

🚙 No warm air from the cabin heater 

🚙 Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing 

🚙 Check engine light or poor fuel economy

A malfunctioning thermostat can reduce efficiency and cause expensive engine damage if not addressed promptly.

How to Replace the Thermostat on a 2018 Ford Explorer

Thermostat replacement is a moderate DIY job or quick service for most mechanics.

Tools Needed: 

✔ Socket and ratchet set 

✔ Drain pan 

✔ Gasket scraper or wire brush 

✔ New OEM thermostat and gasket or seal 

✔ Screwdrivers or pliers (for hose clamps) 

✔ Coolant and funnel 

✔ Torque wrench

Installation Steps:

  1. Cool the Engine & Drain Coolant – Drain to a level below the thermostat housing.

  2. Locate the Thermostat Housing – Usually found at the engine-end of the upper radiator hose.

  3. Remove Bolts & Extract Old Thermostat – Clean mating surfaces thoroughly.

  4. Install New OEM Thermostat – Use a new gasket and ensure correct orientation.

  5. Reassemble & Torque to Spec – Avoid overtightening to prevent leaks.

  6. Refill Coolant & Bleed System – Start engine, top off coolant, and monitor temperature.

  7. Test Drive & Inspect – Ensure stable temperature and no leaks.

Popular Related Parts for 2018 Explorer

🔹 2018 Explorer Radiator Hoses – Replace if cracked, bulging, or leaking 

🔹 2018 Explorer Coolant Temperature Sensor – Sends data to your dashboard and ECU 

🔹 2018 Explorer Radiator – Check for signs of leaks or clogging 

🔹 2018 Explorer Water Pump – Inspect if overheating or coolant circulation issues occur 

🔹 2018 Explorer Coolant Reservoir – Replace if cracked or discolored

Get Your 2018 Explorer Thermostats Today!

Ensure proper temperature regulation and engine longevity with OEM thermostats made for your 2018 Ford Explorer. Factory-fit and tested for reliability in all driving conditions.

🛒 Drive Cool – Shop OEM Thermostats Now!

FAQs About 2018 Ford Explorer Thermostats

When should I replace the thermostat? Typically every 160,000 km or sooner if you experience overheating or temperature issues.

What temperature does the OEM thermostat open at? Usually between 90°C and 95°C (194°F–203°F), depending on the engine type.

Should I replace the gasket or seal when replacing the thermostat? Yes—always replace the gasket or O-ring to prevent coolant leaks.

Can a bad thermostat trigger a warning light? Yes—temperature regulation issues can trigger check engine lights and affect fuel efficiency.

Why choose OEM over aftermarket thermostats? OEM thermostats match the vehicle's factory calibration, ensuring accurate temperature control and maximum durability.