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Dodge Grand Caravan Losing Antifreeze

5 messages,  Last post on Feb 25, 2008 at 3:33 PM

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

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#1 of 5 Dodge Grand Caravan Losing Antifreeze by motoringmama

Oct 19, 2007 (1:58 pm)

I have a 2001 GC that has just developed a problem. One night I had heat just fine, the next day I had cold air coming out instead. I decided to check my antifreeze level, and found the reservoir bone dry. I added up to the fill line more antifreeze. The air again became warm. I decided to check the antifreeze level again the next day after a long drive, and found the reservoir again bone dry. I added more antifreeze. I have gone through a whole gallon now with the same circumstances, and I am concerned what might be wrong. Also, I have checked under my vehicle and have found no puddles or leaking. Is it safe to keep adding the antifreeze or should it be checked out at the dealer? It otherwise runs fine. I have about 73.000 miles on it. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you

#2 of 5 Re: Dodge Grand Caravan Losing Antifreeze [motoringmama] by tedebear

Oct 19, 2007 (7:05 pm)

Replying to: motoringmama (Oct 19, 2007 1:58 pm)
If it's not leaking externally then it is leaking into the crankcase (mixing with the oil) and that's not a good thing. Inspect your oil dipstick and see if the oil looks contaminated.
 
If you can't find a simple solution like a loose hose clamp causing an external leak you should have it checked out ASAP. If it's still running fine it won't be that way for much longer.

#3 of 5 Re: Dodge Grand Caravan Losing Antifreeze [motoringmama] by neanderbob

Dec 15, 2007 (8:38 am)

Replying to: motoringmama (Oct 19, 2007 1:58 pm)
Our 1998 GC did the same thing. Because the 3.3L engine block is iron and the cylinder heads are aluminum they expand and contract at different rates as they heat and cool, causing the cylinder head gasket to scuff and wear. In our case the rear cylinder head gasket wore to the point where coolant leaked into a cylinder and was burnt off with the air/fuel mix. We could smell coolant when driving slowly downtown. Burning coolant won't damage your engine, it might foul a plug, but if the coolant level gets too low of course your engine will overheat and seize. You should get this fixed immmediately, it won't get better!

#4 of 5 uhuh my 01 does it too by simplyme

Feb 14, 2008 (7:52 pm)

yea mine just started doing this they told me the water pump was cracked well we got it fixed and no more leak but now it takes ages to warm up and it sucks i live in michigan its really cold here lol but yea just check out your water pump i dont know why that would be it but it fixed it so cant hurt to try

#5 of 5 Re: uhuh my 01 does it too [simplyme] by xwesx

Feb 25, 2008 (3:33 pm)

Replying to: simplyme (Feb 14, 2008 7:52 pm)
It takes ages to warm up? What did they do, leave out a thermostat?

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