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4276 messages,  Last post on Oct 23, 2006 at 1:11 AM

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What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Voyager, Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town and Country, Van

#4097 of 4276 Re: Potential repair in my future??? [mfahey1] by shipo Jul 15, 2006 (8:54 pm)
Replying to: mfahey1 (Jul 15, 2006 11:44 am) Assuming that pressurizing the cooling system indicates an internal engine leak, they would then do a compression test. If the test shows low compression on two adjacent cylinders, that's a head gasket leak. If the compression check is ok, then that would indicate a cracked head.   Hmmm, I'm thinking that there is a third possibility. I've wrenched on plenty of engines (in years gone by) that had neither a compression problem on any cylinders or a cracked head. The problem would instead turn out to be a failed head gasket between a coolant gallery and either the lifter valley (on "V" type engines) or an oil return drain, both of which will allow coolant to drain into the oil pan without a crack or a low cylinder.   FWIW, while I haven't performed a compression test, I have no indication that there is a low cylinder (which doesn't necessarily mean that there isn't one). I suppose a cylinder leak down test and a borescope could help rule out a leak into a cylinder, however, having that diagnosis performed will cost at least half of the total cost of overhauling the top end of the engine.   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: mfahey1 (Jul 16, 2006 6:30 am) Mr_Shiftright (Jul 16, 2006 7:20 am) shipo (Jul 16, 2006 8:02 am) Mr_Shiftright (Jul 17, 2006 9:18 am)
#4098 of 4276 Re: Potential repair in my future??? [shipo] by mfahey1 Jul 16, 2006 (6:30 am)
Replying to: shipo (Jul 15, 2006 8:54 pm) I've also been thinking some more about it and you're right. Not saying this is the same but the GM 3.8L engines have had a terrible problem since 1996 with leaks from the intake manifold into the engine.
#4099 of 4276 Re: Potential repair in my future??? [shipo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jul 16, 2006 (7:20 am)
Replying to: shipo (Jul 15, 2006 8:54 pm) why don't you run some block sealant. Maybe you have a really minor defect in the gasket in a non-critical area. Replies to this message: shipo (Jul 16, 2006 8:02 am) Mr_Shiftright (Jul 17, 2006 9:18 am)
#4100 of 4276 Re: Potential repair in my future??? [Mr_Shiftright] by shipo Jul 16, 2006 (8:02 am)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 16, 2006 7:20 am) Why don't you run some block sealant. Maybe you have a really minor defect in the gasket in a non-critical area.   Back in my "Wrenching" days I saw too many plugged up heater cores from the various "stop leak" products. Of course I lived in San Diego in those days and so a plugged heater core was of little consequence. I now live in southern New Hampshire, and trust me, there are times when I need every calorie of heat I can get from the heater core (and I'm a guy who likes it cold).   The course of action that I've embarked upon is to flush out my (new as of last month) Ethylene Glycol coolant and replace it with Amsoil Propylene Glycol (which is apparently far less toxic to bearings) sometime next week (whenever it gets here). I'm not a fan of Amsoil (or their marketing practices), however, if there is even a shred of truth to their claims of leak elimination, the Amsoil PG might just do the trick. If by November (when I'm expecting to do my next UOA) I'm still showing coolant leakage I'll decide whether to take a chance on a stop leak product or just fix the problem, regardless of whether it's a bad gasket or a warped or cracked head.   I'll keep y'all posted.   Best Regards, Shipo Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Jul 17, 2006 9:18 am)
#4101 of 4276 Humming Noise Coming from under the gas tank by rob2003176 Jul 16, 2006 (5:10 pm)
I have a 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan. I was recently coming back from a trip when my wife noticed a humming noise coming from under the van. When we got home I jacked up the van, put it on jack stands, started the vehicle and found the source of the noise.   I'm wondering if this noise is the fuel pump, or something else? And if it is the fuel pump (or something else) how difficult would it be to change the component. I consider myself handy with a wrench. Replies to this message: jfenza (Aug 07, 2006 12:01 pm) shipo (Aug 07, 2006 12:19 pm) herbbeasley (Aug 19, 2006 11:08 am) xdaax51 (Aug 15, 2006 3:18 pm)
#4102 of 4276 Steering Noise by jasonmwc Jul 16, 2006 (7:55 pm)
I have a 2006 GC SXT with 2200 miles on it. Recently I have noticed that there is a noise (almost like something rubbing) and a very slight vibration in the steering wheel when I turn. I was wondering if anybody else had noticed this. Thanks. Replies to this message: gino45 (Jul 18, 2006 2:47 pm)
#4103 of 4276 Radio repair: by zlfanatic Jul 17, 2006 (6:14 am)
I have a 96 Caravan that the stock cassette radio keeps going in and out, sometimes it would work fine and then the next time I start it nothing. I have talked to other Dodge and Chrysler owners that had the same problem, they just replaced the head unit. Is there a repair for this? Replies to this message: joon (Aug 03, 2006 10:01 pm)
#4104 of 4276 Re: Electrical fire in speakers? [lotsofvans] by 97xpresso Jul 17, 2006 (9:18 am)
Replying to: lotsofvans (Jul 15, 2006 1:10 pm) I have a 2001, and received a recall notice about exactly what you are describing. It was something about condensation from the AC unit dripping into the radio (in the dash) causing rear speaker to catch fire!? I never took mine in, as I have installed an aftermarket radio/CD player. They said this recall was to install a shield on the radio.
#4105 of 4276 Re: Potential repair in my future??? [shipo] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jul 17, 2006 (9:18 am)
Replying to: shipo (Jul 16, 2006 8:02 am) well that clogging comes from overkill...people add more than the recommended amounts, that's what causes the problem. Or they use shoddy products. We're talking filling up defects the size of a fingernail scratch, not plugging a hole.
#4106 of 4276 Re: 01 Caravan Won't Start [leesprts31] by lengene Jul 18, 2006 (11:04 am)
Replying to: leesprts31 (Jun 30, 2006 8:56 pm) I have a 98 Plymonth Espresso. We have the same kind of trouble. We never know when it is going to happen. Whenever this happens, I start the car and it dies immediately. It will start 3 times and die. After the third time it will not even turn the engine over. It is sometimes 15 minutes or sometimes overnight before it will start. The previous owner had the same problem. It has been to a Chrysler dealer 2 or 3 time and a local mechanic without finding the cause. The last two times that it has happened I disconnected the battery, the first time for about 15 minutes and today about 45 minutes. After reconnecting the battery it started both times. I am still experiment what to do when this happens.

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