Hey guys,

Was looking online and came across this forum registered right way as i am looking for some answers.

I purchased a used 2004 Grand Caravan SXT model with 196K on it.

Few months ago while driving to a family wedding suddenly the CHT gauge shot up the roof and went all the way up. got to my cousins house and poured water int he radiator as their was leak in the pipe of the rear heat( known problem apparently). Finally got the vehicle towed to a Friends garage and he bypass the rear heat. Problem solved. This was somewhere in Mar or so early this year.

Then we went camping in second week of September and we all got soaked so turned the heat on to find no warmth coming out. No rise in CHT though. it stayed in green range.


The Vehicle was due for Oil change so took it to my Friends garage again and told him about the heat problem. He did check and mentioned that my head gasket was broken.

He recommended it would be cheaper to put in a older engine with lower mileage as the cost would be same to put in head gasket but in option one i would get lower milage engine.( Sounds like a good idea). We called a wrecker and told him we need an Engine for 2004 , 3.8 V6. He says hes got one with 106 K on that. We go down i pay the money. The work was supposed to be stared on Friday ( money paid was Monday) Saturday i get a call from my friend saying they had some engine trouble with timing as the engine is from 2003.. timing on the cam is changed code disappears.

He said its not big deal ( yea tell me that you freaking put in a year old engine) anyway he gets the timing sorted out and gets everything running. Costed me $1500 in end i am wondering what the hell.


Problem:

So i get the Van and am on a long drive towards Bellingham (60 km one way @ 100- 120) km to test the vehicle on road.

1) Cruise is when turned on blinks a quick one and disappears. does it every time i try to engage in Cruise Control.

2) I noticed earlier while at signal that the van was giving an offset vibration very minute. Similarly while driving i could feel as if the van is moving back and forth( vibration wise) in very small range. ( i use to work with jet engines and we tested their vibrations so i can feel the smaller ones).
I can only think of two things

Timing is off
Engine is missing

Power wise their is no loss what so ever. The engine is not running perfectly smooth an their seems to be no rattling noise or shut down just that fine vibrations. Its like the van is moving forward but a giant hand is vibrating it back and forth in such high pitch that you can feel it in your *****.( Helicopter pilot feels the first vibrations in the the nuts, Since i have been in that seat long before i could relate) but this vibration is just making me nuts.

My delima is will my friend give me some bull crap about this i dont want to loose another engine in few months or even transmission.

Is this engine even compatible to be used in different years.

Sorry guys its a long essay but its complete story and i am looking for all the help i can before i confront my Friends mechanic. I even thought about taking it to dealership but not sure what story ( true or false) i will get from there.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

 

Welcome to DF
First of all, 3.8L engine from a 2001 to 2007 will work in your van. The problem with used engines, you don't know what problems you will have with them.There was a TSB to drill the crankshaft pully for vibrations.I would check to find out what is the warranty on the used motor.

 

Thank you Master Tech.

It is standard auto wreckers warranty of 3 months.
Also Master tech where can i find that technical service bulletin for crankshaft pulley.

I read your note and felt relieved about usability. Now that i am thinking i had replaced all the wiring harness and spark plugs on my older engine and where new. This is running older harness and plugs. maybe i will get them changed to see if i can vote out any worn out plugs or harness. not sure where they where changed.

 

Vehicle Issue Engine Vibration at Base Idle With No Fault Codes.;Use DRBIII to verify the engine is functioning as designed. The DRBIII may not indicate a misfire or any fault codes. Refer to recommendation If no DTC's are present.
System or Component Vibration;Customer Concern (No DTCs);Engine Lower Section,Crankshaft and Bearings Lower Section
Recommendation This issue can be identified with a vibration analyzer and/or inspecting the crankshaft for balance holes. Remove the engine oil pan. Inspect the crankshaft for drilled balance holes. There should be holes drilled in the counterweights indicating the crankshaft is balanced. Replace the crankshaft if no balance holes are present.




It was the crankshaft not the pully,i'm sorry. This is from the factory for 2004.

 

Thanks Master, Although engine is from 2003 i will check your other post to see if its applicable.

Thank you so much for all your help.