Hi, I have a 2002 dodge grand caravan with a 3.8 lt v6 engine. How difficult is it to change out the rear valve cover gasket and how do you do it? Also, is there any thing else back there that might be leaking oil?
I can smell the oil burning on the exhaust manifold and I have some oil spots on the garage floor everyday.
Thanks.

 

Mine is a 3.3 but it's basically the same to work on.. The book recommends removing the entire intake manifold, but I was able to do it by just removing the upper intake/ plenum. The gaskets are not cheap, autozone wanted $80 for the set ( just the valve cover gaskets, not the intake/plenum) I got them at rockauto.com for $31

 

Thanks, How long did it take and how difficult of a job is it? Also, is there any special tools reguired or anything I need to becareful of?

 

I think it took about 2 to 3 hours. just basic tools and a torque wrench.

 

If you take out the wiper module, you won't need to pull any intake manifold or plenum. Took 1 1/2 hours to do both front and rear.

 

Hi, Thanks for the short cut, but what is and where is the wiper module?
Is it that long black piece that is under the wiper blades and goes from side to side and has vents across it?
Thanks.

 

Yes it is.you'll need to remove the wiper blades too.

 

So I assume it's far easier to remove the wiper module and blades than to deal with the intake plenum?

Is there any good source of information re: instructions to do the valve cover gasket change?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Earl

 

OMG, i don't want to be a meanie but if you don't know what the wiper module is, you probably shouldn't be getting into this job. Rationale for this statement is if you make one error, you have a huge potential of destroying the engine. on a 01 and newer 3.3 or 3.8 I didn't need to remove the intake plenum for the back valve cover, like on the 1990-2000 3.3/3.8, infact 'the book' for this year makes no mention of removing the upper intake. However, I'm sure someone, (that actually never did an 01+) will argue that I'm totally wrong on this proceedure. Oh and if you really want to do this job, GET A QUALITY SERVICE MANUAL so you have ALL the directions and pictures too. (quality service manual would be a factory service manual frequently available on ebay or thru your local Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep dealer)

 

Service manual instructions for the rear valve cover.


REMOVAL

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.
2. Remove the wiper module.
3. Disconnect spark plug wires from plugs.
4. Disconnect power steering pump supply hose support clip from cylinder head cover.
5. Disconnect PCV hose from cylinder head cover.
6. Remove cylinder head cover bolts.
7. Remove cylinder head cover and gasket.