Welcome to 603 Auto Salvage, We Sell Quality Used Auto Parts at Affordable prices.
Welcome to 603 Auto Salvage, We Sell Quality Used Auto Parts at Affordable prices.
The 2013 Ford Explorer continues to be one of the most popular three-row SUVs on American roads. With its combination of family-friendly space, solid towing capability, and reasonable fuel economy, millions of Explorer owners depend on their vehicles daily. But when engine problems strike, the cost of getting back on the road can feel overwhelming.
Dealerships typically quote $6,000 to $10,000 for a new 2013 Ford Explorer engine plus installation. Remanufactured options run $4,000 to $7,000. Both figures often approach or exceed the vehicle’s current market value, making the repair seem financially irresponsible. Many owners face the difficult choice between an expensive repair and replacing a vehicle they otherwise love.
At 603 Auto Salvage, we specialize in quality used 2013 Ford Explorer engines at prices that make keeping your SUV on the road practical. Our typical pricing ranges from $1,200 to $3,200 for tested, verified motors pulled from accident vehicles and low-mileage donor cars. Browse our current inventory on the Shop page or contact us for a VIN fitment check.
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The 2.0L EcoBoost was available as the base engine in front-wheel-drive Explorers. It offered better fuel economy but less overall power than the 3.5L V6. This engine is shared with several Ford and Lincoln models from the same era.
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Found exclusively in the Explorer Sport trim, the twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost delivers serious performance. This engine also powers the Ford F-150 and several Lincoln models, making sourcing relatively straightforward. However, its complexity and turbo components mean higher replacement costs across the board.
| Source | Price Range | Shipping | Warranty | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Dealer (New) | $6,000-$10,000 | Included | 3 years | Order: 2-4 weeks |
| Remanufactured | $4,000-$7,000 | $300-$500 | 1-3 years | Order: 1-2 weeks |
| National Online Retailers | $2,000-$4,500 | $200-$400 | 30-90 days | Varies widely |
| 603 Auto Salvage | $1,200-$3,200 | Pickup/Local | 30-90 days | Immediate |
At 603 Auto Salvage, our 2013 Ford Explorer engine pricing typically falls into these ranges:
These prices represent complete engines with accessories. Buying from 603 Auto Salvage saves 40-70% compared to dealership or remanufactured options. You also eliminate shipping costs and can inspect the engine in person before purchasing. Local delivery is available throughout New Hampshire and nearby Massachusetts areas.
When repair costs approach $3,000-$4,000, a quality used 2013 Ford Explorer engine from 603 Auto Salvage provides better value and a fresh starting point. Check our current inventory for today’s availability.
Every engine we sell at 603 Auto Salvage includes verified mileage documentation. We record the donor vehicle’s odometer reading, photograph the instrument cluster, and cross-reference with available vehicle history records. This transparency protects your investment and ensures you know exactly what you’re getting. A 2013 Explorer engine with documented 65,000 miles represents substantial remaining service life.
Compression testing reveals the internal condition of cylinders, rings, and valves. On a healthy 3.5L V6, you should see 160-185 PSI across all six cylinders with no more than 10% variation between them. On the 2.0L EcoBoost, expect 170-200 PSI. Consistent readings across all cylinders indicate even wear and a mechanically sound engine. We compression test and document results whenever physically possible.
Oil tells the story of an engine’s life. Clean, dark oil suggests regular maintenance. Milky or foamy oil indicates coolant contamination, which is particularly critical on the 3.5L V6 with its internal water pump. Metal particles suggest bearing wear. We inspect oil condition on every engine and note our findings in the documentation provided with your purchase.
Given the 3.5L V6’s known water pump issues, coolant system integrity is critical. We check for signs of coolant-oil mixing, inspect the water pump area for weeping, and verify thermostat housing condition. On EcoBoost models, we also inspect turbo coolant lines and intercooler connections. A clean coolant system with no cross-contamination is essential for a quality used engine.
We verify that each engine includes all necessary components for a straightforward installation. This means checking intake and exhaust manifolds, accessory brackets, wiring harness connections, and sensor presence. An engine that arrives with everything attached saves your mechanic time and you money on additional parts.
For a 2013 Ford Explorer with a current market value of $8,000-$15,000, investing $4,000-$7,000 in a remanufactured engine plus $1,500-$2,500 in labor means spending $5,500-$9,500 total. A quality used engine at $1,200-$3,200 plus the same labor brings total project cost to $2,700-$5,700. The used engine route keeps your total investment well below the vehicle’s value, which makes financial sense for most Explorer owners. For vehicles you plan to keep another 5+ years, either option works. For practical daily drivers where budget matters most, a quality used engine delivers the best value.
David K., Derry NH: “Our family Explorer started overheating at 95,000 miles. Turned out the internal water pump failed and mixed coolant with the oil. Dealer wanted $7,200 for a new engine installed. Found a 3.5L V6 at 603 Auto Salvage with 52,000 miles for $2,400. My mechanic had it running in two days. Saved us over $4,000 and the kids are back to their activities.”
Lisa M., Haverhill MA: “I’m a single mom with a 2013 Explorer Limited. When the timing chain stretched and damaged the engine, I thought I’d have to finance a new car. 603 Auto Salvage found me a matching engine with 71,000 miles. Total cost with installation was under $4,000. That’s less than two months of new car payments. Still running great eight months later.”
Jim Torres, Nashua NH: “I run a landscaping business and need my Explorer for hauling equipment. When the EcoBoost turbos went at 110,000 miles, I couldn’t afford a week of downtime. Called 603 Auto Salvage on Monday morning, picked up a complete 3.5L EcoBoost Tuesday afternoon, and my guy had it installed by Thursday. Back to work with minimal lost revenue.”
The 2013 Ford Explorer engine replacement is a complex job that typically requires professional installation. The transverse-mounted engine, tight engine bay, and numerous electronic connections make this a 10-16 hour job even for experienced mechanics. Professional installation costs range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on your area and whether you choose the 3.5L V6, 2.0L EcoBoost, or 3.5L EcoBoost.
Even though your replacement engine is pre-broken-in, the new gasket surfaces and connections benefit from a careful initial period. For the first 300-500 miles, vary your speed rather than maintaining constant RPM. Avoid heavy towing or sustained high-RPM driving. Check oil level daily for the first week and inspect for any new leaks after the engine reaches operating temperature several times. This careful attention helps ensure all new connections seal properly and the engine settles reliably into its new home for years of dependable service.
Understanding the engineering behind your 2013 Ford Explorer engine helps you make informed decisions about replacement options. The 3.5L Duratec V6 represents Ford’s modern approach to V6 power, combining aluminum construction with advanced variable valve timing technology.
The Ti-VCT system independently adjusts the timing of both intake and exhaust camshafts on each cylinder bank. This provides optimal valve timing across the entire RPM range, improving low-end torque for towing, mid-range power for highway passing, and top-end horsepower when needed. The system uses oil-pressure-activated cam phasers, which means oil quality and regular changes are critical for maintaining proper operation. Neglected oil changes can cause cam phaser rattle and eventual failure.
One of the most important design elements to understand about the 3.5L Duratec is its internal water pump. Unlike traditional external water pumps bolted to the front of the engine, Ford placed the water pump inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. This reduces belt-driven accessories and improves packaging, but it creates a significant service challenge. When the internal water pump seal fails, coolant enters the engine oil system. This design makes preventive water pump replacement during engine installation a smart investment for long-term reliability.
The 2013 Explorer’s naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 uses traditional multi-port fuel injection, which is simpler and less prone to carbon buildup issues compared to the direct-injection EcoBoost variants. This is actually an advantage for used engine buyers because port injection keeps intake valves cleaner over the engine’s lifespan. The direct-injection EcoBoost engines, while more powerful, can develop carbon buildup on intake valves that requires walnut blasting to clean at 60,000-100,000 mile intervals.
The 2013 Explorer uses a dual-thermostat cooling system designed to manage the engine and transmission temperatures separately. This system works well when properly maintained but can develop issues with stuck thermostats, failed blend door actuators, and degraded coolant that accelerates corrosion. When installing a replacement engine, flushing the entire cooling system and replacing both thermostats ensures proper thermal management from day one. Fresh coolant protects your investment in the replacement engine.
Many 2013 Ford Explorer owners use their vehicles for towing boats, trailers, and recreational equipment. The 3.5L V6 is rated for up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. This heavy use places additional stress on the engine, particularly on the cooling system, oil system, and transmission. When selecting a replacement engine for a towing application, consider a lower-mileage unit and plan for a transmission fluid flush to ensure both components are ready for heavy-duty service.
For owners who tow regularly, the 3.5L EcoBoost from the Explorer Sport offers significantly more torque and capability, though at a higher price point. Our team at 603 Auto Salvage can help you understand the tradeoffs between engine options for your specific towing needs. Call 603-392-7313 to discuss your requirements.
The 2013 Ford Explorer uses the D4 platform, which it shares with several Ford and Lincoln models. The 3.5L Duratec V6 found in the base, XLT, and Limited trims is the same fundamental engine used in the Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus, and Lincoln MKX/MKS/MKT from 2007-2019. This wide application means more donor vehicles available in salvage yards, which keeps pricing competitive and availability high.
For the 2.0L EcoBoost, compatibility extends to the Ford Escape, Focus ST, Fusion, and several other models. The 3.5L EcoBoost shares its architecture with the Ford F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, though Explorer-specific mounting and accessory configurations may differ. We verify specific compatibility for your application at the time of purchase.
How much does a 2013 Ford Explorer engine cost at 603 Auto Salvage?
Our 2013 Ford Explorer engines typically range from $1,200 to $3,200 depending on variant (3.5L V6, 2.0L EcoBoost, or 3.5L EcoBoost), verified mileage, and condition. Most fall in the $1,800-$2,500 range for good units with 60,000-100,000 miles.
Can I inspect the engine before purchasing?
Absolutely. We strongly encourage in-person inspection at our New Hampshire location. Visit during business hours to examine engines thoroughly, check compression test results, and verify all included components.
Do you test engines before selling?
Yes, whenever physically possible. We compression test across all cylinders and document results. We also inspect oil condition, check for coolant contamination (critical on the 3.5L V6), and verify all external components are present and functional.
What warranty comes with used 2013 Explorer engines?
Most engines include 30-90 day warranty on internal mechanical components. Specific terms vary by individual engine condition and mileage. We discuss exact coverage clearly at the time of purchase so there are no surprises.
Can you deliver to my mechanic?
Yes. Local delivery is available throughout New Hampshire and nearby Massachusetts areas. Contact us for specific delivery quotes and scheduling.
Will a 2012 or 2014 Explorer engine fit my 2013?
The 2011-2015 Ford Explorer engines are generally interchangeable within the same engine family and displacement. The 3.5L V6 remained consistent through this generation. Minor sensor or connector differences may exist between model years. We verify specific compatibility for your application before completing the sale.
What’s included with the engine?
Our Explorer engines come as complete assemblies with intake and exhaust manifolds, alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, wiring harness, fuel rails and injectors, all sensors, and documentation. Specific included components are noted on each listing.
How many miles can I expect from a used 3.5L V6?
The Ford 3.5L Duratec V6 regularly delivers 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance. A quality used engine with 70,000 documented miles can reasonably provide another 100,000+ miles of reliable service. The key factors are maintenance history, verified mileage, and compression test results.
Should I replace the water pump when installing a used engine?
Given the 3.5L V6’s internal water pump design and known failure patterns, we recommend discussing this with your installer. If the replacement engine has over 80,000 miles, a preventive water pump replacement during installation adds a few hundred dollars but eliminates the most common failure point. On lower-mileage engines, the existing pump likely has substantial life remaining.
Is the 2.0L EcoBoost or 3.5L V6 better for replacement?
Both are reliable engines when properly maintained. The 3.5L V6 offers more power and proven longevity with simpler naturally-aspirated design. The 2.0L EcoBoost provides better fuel economy but adds turbo complexity. Your choice should match your original engine to avoid wiring, PCM, and mounting compatibility issues.
Your 2013 Ford Explorer has years of reliable service ahead of it. An engine failure does not have to mean the end of the road or a crippling repair bill. With quality used engines starting at $1,200, 603 Auto Salvage makes the smart financial choice clear. Whether you drive a base model with the naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6, a fuel-efficient 2.0L EcoBoost, or the powerful 3.5L EcoBoost Sport, we have the right replacement engine for your specific application. Our New England location means you can inspect every engine in person, verify compression results firsthand, and drive away with confidence in your purchase.
Every engine we sell comes with verified mileage, documented condition, and honest pricing. We test what we can, document what we find, and explain everything clearly. No surprises, no hidden fees, just quality used Ford Explorer engines at fair prices from a trusted New Hampshire salvage yard that has served the New England community for years with honest service and real results.
Call 603-392-7313 to discuss your specific needs and check current inventory. Your quality 2013 Ford Explorer engine is waiting at 603 Auto Salvage.
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