What would make my 2002 ford explorer run hot

Did you ever replace the radiator cap?.....common to miss it and it does maintain the system under a specific pressure. We are not replacing the over flow tank cap......just the radiator cap

Don't have a radiator cap just a reservoir cap

are u leaking? Have u noticed any drops of anti-freeze under the car? I would also check the radiator......have u flushed it? Could be gunked up after years of use...or has a leak. I just replaced two of them in two of my cars

Be very careful in overheating..... These explorers have aluminum heads. Aluminum heads crack very easily. So you may want to get the heads off and have them checked.

Fixed the leak and it stop leaking but still running hot

Flush the radiator.....if u haven't done it in a reasonable 3 years

If u have a bad or blown head gasket....the car will be poorly driving and there will be white smoke out the tail pipe

Flushed the radiator no smoke did a sealant and it stop

see my answer on ur parallel question. You will eventually need a new engine