- #75 of 92
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Re: Voyager and Caravan 3.0 engine reliability [pworkmaster]
by shipo
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Aug 31, 2009 (10:16 am)
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Replying to: pworkmaster (Aug 31, 2009 9:56 am)
Our former 1998 Grand Caravan went 170,000 miles with very few repairs (starter, window motor, door switch, headlight bulbs, and muffler and tail pipe), however, it had a Chrysler motor in it instead of the 3.0 Mitsubishi. While some folks are able to get good mileage out of the 3.0, many other folks report a number of oil related issues such as external leaking and consumption through the valve seals. Personally I'd avoid a 3.0 liter van and look for one with either the 3.3 or 3.8 (virtually identical engines except for the displacement) engine.
Best regards,
Shipo
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- #76 of 92
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Caravan reliability follow up questions
by pworkmaster
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Aug 31, 2009 (10:35 am)
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Thanks, Shippo. So the Mitsubishi motor is found in the Dodge? How many miles can one of thes vans be expected to go? With 69,000 miles on it now it would appear to be a good value at a price of $1800. What do you think?
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- #77 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [pworkmaster]
by shipo
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Aug 31, 2009 (11:28 am)
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Replying to: pworkmaster (Aug 31, 2009 10:35 am)
Not being a fan of the 3.0 Mitsubishi motor, I'd take a pass on that van and look for one that has the 3.3 liter Chrysler motor instead.
Best regards,
Shipo
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- #78 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [shipo]
by xwesx
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Aug 31, 2009 (11:58 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Aug 31, 2009 11:28 am)
I will agree with that. I have noticed a few issues like that being mentioned about the 3.0, but nothing so far regarding engine internals with the 3.3/3.8.
Now having owned one (3.8L with 213,000 miles), I think the major weakness with these vans is their electrical systems. So, you will undoubtedly run into some minor (and, perhaps major) issues, such as those Shipo listed in his original response, regardless of the drivetrain, so you might as well hedge your bets on the engine. At 213K, the engine in mine is as strong as ever with no oil leaks and it purrs like a kitten.
At $1800, there may well be some existing issues with it even if it is low miles.
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- #79 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [pworkmaster]
by tjok
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Sep 24, 2009 (4:47 am)
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Replying to: pworkmaster (Aug 31, 2009 10:35 am)
I had a Plymouth Voyager with the 3.0 that went 135000 miles before passing oil through the valve seals. I just bought a Dodge Caravan with the 3.0 and 88000 miles. At 69000 miles, you should get 50000 miles before oil problems. 50000 miles for $1800 isn't bad. I am a fan of the 3.0. They run smooth and have good torque.
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- #80 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [tjok]
by shipo
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Sep 24, 2009 (8:23 am)
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Replying to: tjok (Sep 24, 2009 4:47 am)
Then there are some of us who wouldn't touch a 3.0 van even if it was free. Why? Because the 3.3 and 3.8 liter twins are easily as smooth, significantly more powerful, and typically go an easy quarter of a million miles with no oil control issues (or any other internal issues as well). Case in point, our two 3.8 liter vans have over a combined 300,000 miles, and they both typically consume about a quart of oil every 7,500 miles, just like they did the day we drove them off the showroom floor.
Best regards,
Shipo
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- #81 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [shipo]
by tjok
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Sep 25, 2009 (5:04 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Sep 24, 2009 8:23 am)
I own a 2005 T&C with a 3.3. 52000 miles. The engine is smooth and strong, except that it has this nasty rattle at idle. This rattle is getting more annoying by the day. I don't think I'm the only one experiencing this. If you know what the cause of this rattle is and how to fix it, please let me, and all the others know. This engine may run a quarter million miles, but I'd rather have one that runs 150000 miles without the rattle. I don't think I'm goin to keep this great engine another year. I don't think I can put up with a quarter million miles of rattle. If you know what the fix is for this 'common rattle', please let us all know. This 'common rattle' is really getting annoying.
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- #82 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [tjok]
by shipo
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Sep 25, 2009 (5:30 pm)
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Replying to: tjok (Sep 25, 2009 5:04 pm)
I seriously doubt that the rattle has anything to do with the engine at all. Off the top of my head I'd suggest that you look at the clutch on the alternator, and/or the serpentine belt, and/or the idler pulley, and failing that, make yourself a "Redneck Stethoscope" (i.e. a cut off piece of garden hose), put one end up to an ear, and slowly move the other end around the path of the serpentine belt until you discover the source of the noise.
As for there being a "common rattle", I'm a moderator on a site that is dedicated to these vans and I've never once heard of such a rattle, so I'm thinking that it isn't all that common.
Keep us posted on what you discover.
Best regards,
Shipo
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- #83 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [shipo]
by tjok
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Sep 26, 2009 (4:49 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Sep 25, 2009 5:30 pm)
I went through all of that. I removed the serpentine belt which elimitates all accessories, water pump, etc. The noise is still there. Long story short, I think the problem is in the valve train. Bent push rod, collapsed lifter, broken rocker pedestal, lack of oil to the top of the engine, etc.. The next step will be to remove the valve covers and take a look. I don't have the time to be doing these things.
I have listened to this engine for hours. This rattle is coming from within the engine. If you do some searching, you will find that many people have reported a rattle at idle in the 3.3 and 3.8.
My point is that I had a 3.0 and it ran great. The 3.0 will have oil control problems at 150000 miles on. But up to that 150000 miles my 3.0 ran great. I would drive another 3.0
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- #84 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [tjok]
by goldrench
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Sep 26, 2009 (5:32 am)
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Replying to: tjok (Sep 26, 2009 4:49 am)
I have 2 of those vans in my fleet. They both have a timing chain rattle which is common and have had this noise for 2 years. It hasn't changed or gotten worse since then.
Just my 2 cents worth...and I own a shop.
www.goldenruleauto.com
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