Dodge Caravan The Dodge Caravan is the best selling mini van from Dodge. How many Dodge Caravan owners here at DodgeForum.com would agree? Discuss it now!

Freeze Plug Blow Outs

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 04:49 PM
  #1  
daytripper565's Avatar
daytripper565
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default Freeze Plug Blow Outs

Has any one had a problem with 2006 Dodge Caravan 3.3L freeze plugs? I have had 2 blow out. Now a third has failed. This year only had 3yr. 36,000 mile warranty. Why? This van has 52,000 miles...
 
Reply
Old Aug 30, 2010 | 10:22 PM
  #2  
master tech's Avatar
master tech
Site Moderator & Tech
15 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,642
Likes: 108
From: Near Sacramento,ca
Default

Welcome to DF
The only time i seen this was on the 1997 sebring 2.5L engine. Which ones had fail?
 
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 07:59 AM
  #3  
daytripper565's Avatar
daytripper565
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default PLugs rusted from inside

The first one was front middle cylinder in block. the second was distributor side in manifold. Now another has rusted through rear middle cylinder block. Rust in radiator, signs of rust in coolant system is obvious.
How could any certified mechanic state there is no signs of coolant system failure, when he had two of the rusted plugs in his hands and rust signs in radiator? The Dealer stated the antifreeze was wrong. That anitfreeze was only in the van 4 days because the original leaked out on Interstate 70 when the first plug blew....
 
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 07:02 PM
  #4  
sapporo's Avatar
sapporo
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
Default

if they rusted, they didn't "blow out" they disintegrated

post a picture so we can see these failed parts.

being they are not the same one failing, I suspect there may have been a contamination issue with the coolant a long time ago that is just now coming to surface.

maybe you should have had the old coolant sample tested for high acidic content
 
Reply
Old Aug 31, 2010 | 11:56 PM
  #5  
master tech's Avatar
master tech
Site Moderator & Tech
15 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,642
Likes: 108
From: Near Sacramento,ca
Default

At this point i would replace all the freeze plugs and the ones between the transmission and engine block too. Then add the correct coolant.You also may want to look at the hose's too.
 
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2010 | 11:40 AM
  #6  
daytripper565's Avatar
daytripper565
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

Thanks,
The coolant leaked onto Interstate. Cannot be tested.
No, they did not blow, they are rusted from inside out.
I am looking into total coolant system replacement. Radiator is rusted, heater coil ???, and "All" freeze plugs.
Last month the dealer flushed and put the proper coolant in.
Even though this van is out of warranty, Chrysler may pay for, or "help" pay for the repairs. It's just a long wait.
They also should supply a loaner vehicle until fixed....
Here are the pics. 2 I have already replaced and third which failed a month later.
 
Attached Thumbnails Freeze Plug Blow Outs-2006-caravan-freeze-plug-issue-002.jpg  

Last edited by daytripper565; Sep 3, 2010 at 12:10 PM. Reason: Adding Pics.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2010 | 09:05 PM
  #7  
master tech's Avatar
master tech
Site Moderator & Tech
15 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,642
Likes: 108
From: Near Sacramento,ca
Default

Thats great.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:19 PM.