Hi guys,

We have a Grand Caravan 2008 3.3 SE (in Canada) with 118k km (around 70K miles) and I have a several problems with my car and really would appreciate your help. I took it into a Canadian Tire Auto Service Center and they diagnosed and gave an estimate of over $1300 to do the job (mostly labor). So I was wondering if I can try to do the job myself. I will need some instructions from service manual (or repair manual) which I don't have. I was hoping someone can post scanned pages here. Also I don't know what special tools I might need. Here's what they wrote on repair order:

1. Transmission cooler lines are leaking at near trans fittings and near radiator fittings. Question from me: what is the part number to replace it and how to do it yourself? Is that rubber hoses (there are 2 actually) that go from trans to radiator?

2. Replace timing cover gasket (coolant leak). Question from me: what are the instructions to do it? Any special tools? Besides the gasket what kind of paste/sealant is required and how to apply it on gasket?

3. Replace intake manifold gasket set. Question from me: what are the instructions to do it? Any special tools? Besides the gasket what kind of paste/sealant is required and how to apply it on gasket?

4. Besides these problems, I also noticed a strange noise coming from engine (hard to locate place it's coming from) - sounds like a helicopter is flying above the car. Or like a fan is hitting something while spinning - but it's not. It's only apparent when I'm driving and no noise if I rev up the engine when I'm stopped (P/Neutral/D - no noise when stopped). I'm worried it's either water pump, transmission (but it's smooth otherwise) or something else in engine? Should I ask mechanic to drive with me so he can listen to noise himself?

Also, while doing that job is there anything I can do while I am at it? Like maybe changing timing belt or water pump or else?

P.S. They also noted that there's some play from stabilizer links and control arm bushings - will it require wheel alignment if I fix those in some shop?

Do you think this kind of job is better to leave for mechanics or I can try to do it myself?
Thank you.

 

please don't let the techs at Canadian tire fix it. ive heard many issues there. I would talk to your friends and family see who they use. for the tranny I seem to be going in on wed to the dealer under warranty for replacement of those hoses. I assume ya need the fuel type tool that presses the connectors for removal. hoses are like 86.00 for mine. 2010 v6 6 speed

 

See post number 14 in the following link showing a tool to simplify removing the hoses:2007 grand caravan 3.3l transmission cooler line

The transmission cooler hose part number is 5005204AA, MSRP is $53.20.

George

 

I wouldn't recommend trying to fix a leak from the timing cover yourself, unless you have lots of patience and can potentially have the van out of service for a number of days. But in any case, the first thing you need to do is verify where the coolant leak is actually coming from. Depending on how big you are, it may be possible to work underneath without the van being up on ramps, but it's much easier if the front end is up. First wipe everything around the timing cover and watep pump clean with rags. Then go back under whenever the van is shut off, and an hour or two afterwards. You need to find out exactly where the coolant drip is coming from. It's far more common for the water pump to fail starting with a leak, so don't be surprised to find the leak there instead of the timing cover. But it could also be from other things, such as a corroded metal heater hose.

 

Alldata.com is a good source for instructions.

The 3.3 ltr engine uses a timing chain that will last the life of the van. Changing the water pump while you're in there would be on my list.

 

Thanks guys! Some more questions:

1. Could that noise that I described in my first post be because of leaking intake manifold gasket? Though I don't hear it on idle, but only when driving. Strange.
2. How come coolant leaks from intake manifold gasket and timing cover gasket? I thought there is only oil under timing cover and air with fuel under intake manifold? How can coolant get there in the first place? I'm a little confused here.
3. Is there 1 gasket for intake manifold or 2 gaskets?
4. Was there a recall about radiator cap? Could it be why I'm having problems due to bad valve in radiator cap not releasing extra pressure and thus blowing my timing cover and intake manifold gaskets?
Thanks.