Replacing Valve Cover Gaskets on 3.3 2000 Grand Caravan SE
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Replacing Valve Cover Gaskets on 3.3 2000 Grand Caravan SE
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Need some pointers on replacing the valve cover gaskets on a 2000 Grand Caravan SE 3.3. Last week I cleaned off the covers and drove the van a little bit and there is a noticeable leak of oil that seems to be leaking from the bushings that surround the bolt. The car has 207k miles on it so I assume this is to be expected?
My local shop quotes me at $350 for just the pair of gaskets but I don't have the money and I would like to get this done and over with. I can buy the gaskets for $90 at NAPA. I am very handy with repairing things and am taking an auto shop class next year to brush up on some other things.
Has anyone done this repair on a 2000 Grand Caravan 3.3?
I have been looking on the internet for a couple months now and can't find any instructions or pointers as to how to dissamble the engine to get to the rear valve cover. And when I do it's for the 2001 model which has a different intake plenum configuration and different engine bay.
The front cover is assume is easy and it looks like I am able to fanagle it so I don't have to remove the fuel rail or injectors. It's the rear cover I need pointers on.
I assume I need to remove the wiper module, the intake plenum and the throttle body. Any pointers or tips to make this process any easier? I'd like to hear from someone who's done repairs on this specific model.
Thank you and good day
Need some pointers on replacing the valve cover gaskets on a 2000 Grand Caravan SE 3.3. Last week I cleaned off the covers and drove the van a little bit and there is a noticeable leak of oil that seems to be leaking from the bushings that surround the bolt. The car has 207k miles on it so I assume this is to be expected?
My local shop quotes me at $350 for just the pair of gaskets but I don't have the money and I would like to get this done and over with. I can buy the gaskets for $90 at NAPA. I am very handy with repairing things and am taking an auto shop class next year to brush up on some other things.
Has anyone done this repair on a 2000 Grand Caravan 3.3?
I have been looking on the internet for a couple months now and can't find any instructions or pointers as to how to dissamble the engine to get to the rear valve cover. And when I do it's for the 2001 model which has a different intake plenum configuration and different engine bay.
The front cover is assume is easy and it looks like I am able to fanagle it so I don't have to remove the fuel rail or injectors. It's the rear cover I need pointers on.
I assume I need to remove the wiper module, the intake plenum and the throttle body. Any pointers or tips to make this process any easier? I'd like to hear from someone who's done repairs on this specific model.
Thank you and good day
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Joined: Feb 2012
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Remove the wiper tray for access. It can probably be done without removing it but the time spent there is well worth it. My van is a later model with the plastic valve covers so I can't give any specific advice since I believe yours has different valve covers.
I can give you advice on parts though, checking Rock Auto I see valve cover gasket sets ranging from $15 to $56 depending on whether you have 9/32 or 29/64" bolt holes and what your brand preference is. It looks like some sealant might be required on them as well. Regardless of which one you pick they are still far cheaper than the $90 that NAPA quoted you, and slightly cheaper yet if you use a discount code for 5% off. Here is one that is good until September 8: 159881534948387
I can give you advice on parts though, checking Rock Auto I see valve cover gasket sets ranging from $15 to $56 depending on whether you have 9/32 or 29/64" bolt holes and what your brand preference is. It looks like some sealant might be required on them as well. Regardless of which one you pick they are still far cheaper than the $90 that NAPA quoted you, and slightly cheaper yet if you use a discount code for 5% off. Here is one that is good until September 8: 159881534948387