Various Topics on Dodge

..out_that_ti..

I know this is an incredibly vague question, but I just bought a 94 Caravan,
with just under 74000 miles on it that seems to be leaking oil (and smelling
of burnt oil after driving for a while). I bought it off a co-worker after
he hit a deer with it and damaged the radiator. I just replaced the
radiator, which seems to be working fine, except that the temp sometimes
seems to rise while the van is stopped and running, but goes back to normal
after moving again.

My concern is simply the leaking and losing oil. I am planning on going away
in 6 days, and was thinking about taking this Caravan on a 1700 mile trip.
If anyone can suggest what the problem might be, or point me in the right
direction to do more reading to find out myself, I would greatly appreciate
it. The last thing I want to do it break down 800 miles from home with a
major problem.

Many many thanks in advance for any help.

- Jeff

..r..

"about_that_time" <jzapko@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:vNSyc.21776$mz.21250@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> I know this is an incredibly vague question, but I just bought a 94
Caravan,
> with just under 74000 miles on it that seems to be leaking oil (and
smelling
> of burnt oil after driving for a while). I bought it off a co-worker after
> he hit a deer with it and damaged the radiator. I just replaced the
> radiator, which seems to be working fine, except that the temp sometimes
> seems to rise while the van is stopped and running, but goes back to
normal
> after moving again.

Does your cooling fan engage when hot and stationary? May not be working.

> My concern is simply the leaking and losing oil. I am planning on going
away
> in 6 days, and was thinking about taking this Caravan on a 1700 mile trip.
> If anyone can suggest what the problem might be, or point me in the right
> direction to do more reading to find out myself, I would greatly
appreciate
> it. The last thing I want to do it break down 800 miles from home with a
> major problem.
>
> Many many thanks in advance for any help.
>
> - Jeff
>


If it is the 3.0, it probably is the seals, on the crank and camshafts, on
the p***enger side of the engine. I replaced mine after I had enough garage
drips. While in there, replace the timing belt too. That was the real
reason I was doing the job. The van had 150k k/ms and was overdue for a
belt change. I'm sure I'll hear otherwise if I am wrong, IMHO, as long as
you keep the crankcase topped up, leaking oil is just that, leaking oil,
obviously depending on the quantity you are leaking. Top up the oil with
the fuel and have a good trip.

G

I used to tell people that my van has a self changing oil feature

..rdo.. ....

Fan temp sensor switch is in front of the radiator so make sure it
"survived" the accident and is still mounted on the center support beam in
front of radiator, directly behind the grill. This sends signal to relay to
send power to fan for cooling.

Since the oil is burning leak is most likely above the exhaust manifolds
(otherwise check oil pan gasket). If you have a 3.0l v6 the valve covers
tend to leak so check there first. This often occurs due to a clogged PCV
valve (on the front valve cover) which causes pressure which forces oil out
the cover gaskets. Check and change (less than $10 for valve).

"Gordo" <woodbug1@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:%M1zc.711580$Pk3.139813@pd7tw1no...
>
> "about_that_time" <jzapko@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:vNSyc.21776$mz.21250@nwrdny02.gnilink.net...
> > I know this is an incredibly vague question, but I just bought a 94
> Caravan,
> > with just under 74000 miles on it that seems to be leaking oil (and
> smelling
> > of burnt oil after driving for a while). I bought it off a co-worker
after
> > he hit a deer with it and damaged the radiator. I just replaced the
> > radiator, which seems to be working fine, except that the temp sometimes
> > seems to rise while the van is stopped and running, but goes back to
> normal
> > after moving again.
>
> Does your cooling fan engage when hot and stationary? May not be working.
>
> > My concern is simply the leaking and losing oil. I am planning on going
> away
> > in 6 days, and was thinking about taking this Caravan on a 1700 mile
trip.
> > If anyone can suggest what the problem might be, or point me in the
right
> > direction to do more reading to find out myself, I would greatly
> appreciate
> > it. The last thing I want to do it break down 800 miles from home with a
> > major problem.
> >
> > Many many thanks in advance for any help.
> >
> > - Jeff
> >
>
>
> If it is the 3.0, it probably is the seals, on the crank and camshafts, on
> the p***enger side of the engine. I replaced mine after I had enough
garage
> drips. While in there, replace the timing belt too. That was the real
> reason I was doing the job. The van had 150k k/ms and was overdue for a
> belt change. I'm sure I'll hear otherwise if I am wrong, IMHO, as long as
> you keep the crankcase topped up, leaking oil is just that, leaking oil,
> obviously depending on the quantity you are leaking. Top up the oil with
> the fuel and have a good trip.
>
> G
>
> I used to tell people that my van has a self changing oil feature
>
>
>