- #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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- #85 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [tjok]
by shipo
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Sep 26, 2009 (10:04 am)
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Replying to: tjok (Sep 26, 2009 4:49 am)
If, as goldrench says, your hearing the timing chain rattle, then yes there is a very subtle rattle from the chain, and that rattle is something that a timing belt style of engine like the 3.0 cannot make. So take your choice, a chain that makes a little noise and lasts for the life of the engine, or a belt that needs to constantly be changed. I'll take the chain.
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- #86 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [shipo]
by jpf
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Sep 27, 2009 (9:26 am)
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Replying to: shipo (Sep 26, 2009 10:04 am)
What transmission does the 3.0 liter have, 3 or 4 speed automatic?
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- #87 of 92
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Re: Caravan reliability follow up questions [jpf]
by shipo
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Sep 27, 2009 (11:03 am)
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Replying to: jpf (Sep 27, 2009 9:26 am)
As with too many other things, it depends. Some 3.0 liter vans had the 3-Speed, some had the 4-Speed. While I've never been in a 3-Speed van, I believe I've heard that the display for the gear selector is a bit different. For the 4-Speed vans, they have three forward gear selections that go like this: D, 3, L, and obviously if a van has a 3-Speed transmission, that display wouldn't make any sense.
Best regards,
Shipo
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