2021 FORD EXPLORER octane

Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87 or
regular unleaded gasoline blended with a
maximum of 85% ethanol (E85).
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 288).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com.
Note: Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty. Do not use:
•
Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuels containing more than 85%
ethanol or E100 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
Switching Between E85 and
Gasoline
We do not recommend repeatedly
alternating between E85 and gasoline. If
you switch from using E85 to gasoline, or
from gasoline to E85, add as much fuel as
possible, at least half a tank. Drive your
vehicle immediately for a minimum of 5 mi
(8 km)
to allow it to adapt to the change
in ethanol concentration. If you use E85
exclusively, we recommend that you fill
the fuel tank with regular unleaded
gasoline at each scheduled oil change.
186
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513

FUEL QUALITY - GASOLINE
Choosing the Right Fuel
Your vehicle is designed to operate on
regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum
pump (R+M)/2 octane rating of 87.
Some fuel stations, particularly those in
high altitude areas, offer fuels posted as
regular unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating below 87. The use of these fuels
could result in engine damage that will not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
For best overall vehicle and engine
performance, premium fuel with an octane
rating of 91 or higher is recommended. The
performance gained by using premium fuel
is most noticeable in hot weather as well
as other conditions, for example when
towing a trailer. See Towing (page 288).
Do not be concerned if the engine
sometimes knocks lightly. However, if the
engine knocks heavily while using fuel with
the recommended octane rating, contact
an authorized dealer to prevent any engine
damage.
We recommend Top Tier detergent
gasolines, where available to help minimize
engine deposits and maintain optimal
vehicle and engine performance. For
additional information, refer to
www.toptiergas.com. Note:
Use of any fuel for which the vehicle
was not designed can impair the emission
control system, cause loss of vehicle
performance, and cause damage to the
engine which may not be covered by the
vehicle Warranty.
Do not use:
• Diesel fuel.
• Fuels containing kerosene or paraffin.
• Fuel containing more than 15% ethanol
or E85 fuel.
• Fuels containing methanol.
• Fuels containing metallic-based
additives, including manganese-based
compounds.
• Fuels containing the octane booster
additive, methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT).
• Leaded fuel, using leaded fuel is
prohibited by law.
The use of fuels with metallic compounds
such as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (commonly known
as MMT), which is a manganese-based
fuel additive, will impair engine
performance and affect the emission
control system.
FUEL FILLER FUNNEL
LOCATION
The fuel filler funnel is in the spare wheel
storage tray.
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL
Running out of fuel can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle Warranty.
187
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Fuel and RefuelingE161513

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS - 2.3L ECOBOOST™
2.3L EcoBoost
Engine
138 in³ (2,261 cm³)
Displacement.
Minimum 87 octane
Fuel type.
1-3-4-2
Firing order.
Coil on plug
Ignition system.
0.028–0.031 in (0.7–0.8 mm)
Spark plug gap.
10:1
Compression ratio.
Drivebelt Routing
2.3L EcoBoost Engine Long drivebelt is on first pulley
groove closest to engine.
A.
Short drivebelt is on second
pulley groove farthest from
engine.
B.
382
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and SpecificationsE293908

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS - 3.0L
3.0L
Engine
180 in³ (2,956 cm³)
Displacement.
Minimum 87 octane
Fuel type.
1-4-2-5-3-6
Firing order.
Coil on plug
Ignition system.
0.028–0.031 in (0.7–0.8 mm)
Spark plug gap.
9.5:1
Compression ratio.
Drivebelt Routing ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS - 3.0L, ST
Description
Item
60 degree V6
Configuration.
3.36 in (85.4 mm) bore x 3.39 in (86 mm)
stroke
Bore x stroke.
180 in³ (2,956 cm³)
Displacement.
9.5:1
Compression ratio.
1-4-2-5-3-6
Firing order.
0.028–0.031 in (0.7–0.8 mm)
Spark plug gap.
383
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and SpecificationsE297178

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS - 3.3L, GASOLINE
3.3L
Engine
204 in³ (3,340 cm³)
Displacement.
Minimum 87 octane
Fuel type.
1-4-2-5-3-6
Firing order.
Coil on plug
Ignition system.
0.049–0.053 in (1.25–1.35 mm)
Spark plug gap.
12.0:1
Compression ratio.
Drivebelt Routing Long drivebelt is on second
pulley groove farthest from
engine.
A.
Short drivebelt is on first pulley
groove closest to engine.
B.
385
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and SpecificationsE288323

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS - 3.3L, HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE
(HEV)
3.3L HEV
Engine
204 in³ (3,340 cm³)
Displacement.
Minimum 87 octane
Fuel type.
1-4-2-5-3-6
Firing order.
Coil on plug
Ignition system.
0.049–0.053 in (1.25–1.35 mm)
Spark plug gap.
12.0:1
Compression ratio.
Drivebelt Routing TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS - ST
Gear Ratios
Ratio
Item
4.71:1
1st gear.
3.00:1
2nd gear.
2.15:1
3rd gear.
1.77:1
4th gear.
1.52:1
5th gear.
386
Explorer (CTW), enUSA, Edition date: 202007, Second-Printing Capacities and SpecificationsE291364