Anyone who has the simplest to most difficult service done at South Main Auto. Can be sure no shop could have done a better job. This man is thorough. too bad nobody like him near me.
I originally started watching these videos when I watched a video about cleaning headlight lenses. Since then, I have watch one video after another. They are so informative and Eric's diagnostic skills are second to none. I would give anything to find a mechanic like him here in Georgia. Great skills and honesty are two things hard to find today. Keep up the good work Eric. I enjoy very much.
This is really sad! Ive been working on cars for 43 years and would still rather watch you wrench than watch a movie etc.! Always learn something! Awsome vids!
I've done lots of repairs on my vehicles over the years, but always external parts, Starters, Alternators, brakes, sensors, radiators, things like that. These videos make me think I made the wrong choice in life, as I think I could have made a good mechanic. Then again, it could just be Mr O's skill making it look good. :-)
Been an aircraft & auto mechanic for 40 yrs and your customers are lucky to have you working on their vehicles. All I've seen on your videos is a thorough systematic diagnosis, quality replacement parts & quality maintenance. Proud to see a quality job. Enjoy watching your videos
I can never understand how Eric O. can remember the exact order to put everything back together. In this video, he must have removed 50 different items, bolts and components and he pops them all back like magic. No hesitation or guessing. That's why I get scared to tackle big jobs because I'm so afraid I won't be able to get it put back together correctly! Great video.
That's what is the basics of being an mechanic. Start with Lego, end with disassembly an engine and reassemble it. You put the screws back where they came from or to the thing they belong, make pictures with your smartphone if you work for several days or if all fails, lookup explosion images
They are different, if you are a mechanic You will figure out. I used to work in fleet three shifts shop were most of the time you Will have to put together what another mechanics broke down.
I'm a former navy engineer and I work on automobiles on the side for my neighborhood, too save them a $1 or two, and your info helps out a lot,love it that you keep your ball cap on too keep your hair from getting dirty😁
i really enjoy your taking the time to show the tools you use to do the jobs with. i also enjoy your slow texas like voice. i can understand every word. i was literally shocked you were from new york. showing the little things is not reduntant at all. and worth it to a lot of us. your lighting is great and camera angle. you are doing a great job
Great video. I thought I had a leaky head gasket on my wife's 08 Grand Caravan, but after watching this it's more than likely a lower intake leak as I have no other symptoms other than coolant on the bell housing. Thanks for posting!
Have owned Caravans since ‘70s. Always wished for better fuel mileage. Be careful what you wish for! In 2009 I took a small trip in our 2002 T&C and got 30mpg! That was exciting. About a week later I was idling at a traffic light when it just started misfiring and running very rough. Intake manifold had a pinhole air leak leading to burned intake valves on the two cylinders sharing that plenum. Now have a 2017 Pacifica that gets great mileage! It would seem they have figured it out. Thanks for your videos.
I know this is old, but I want to say thanks for your videos! I just used your video on the P0480 code to diagnose the bad fan control relay on our 06 T&C with the 3.3 engine, when I recalled seeing this video about a lower manifold coolant leak. Our van has been slowing losing coolant for a long time now, and you could occasionally smell antifreeze after shutting the van off. But we never actually saw a leak. Today while diagnosing the fan problem, I noticed that brown crusty stuff on top of the bell housing, and remembered this video. Looks like I will be doing this job in the future too. At least now I know what’s ahead of me. I’ll probably go ahead and do the valve cover gaskets while I got it that far down, as I’m sure they’ve never been done and are likely leaking by now. Probably replace the plugs too. I just wish you would have shown refilling the coolant, as I would have liked to have seen what if anything needs to be done to bleed the system of air.
Just had this repair done on my 2007 dodge grand caravan. Along with a radiator replacement (it was for sure another leak, and the only leak I knew of before the repair). I had never seen this repair done before, ty for showing me :-). I now understand why it was nearly 1100 dollars. for both RR
Wow, super video. Over the top on cleanliness. Only issue I witnessed, you never disconnected the negative battery cable. I was guilty of the very same thing. 23 years in, it finally bit me in the rear. Awesome video, you totally drew me in.
Great video. .my 2002 caravan was leaking at the same place. .but my mechanic was convinced it was the head gasket. ..I'm glad you made this video. ..you saved me a 1000 $
Another great video, even if it's from a few years back. This is probably the third or fourth time I've watched one of your videos the night before a repair to be sure I'm approaching it correctly and there are no gotchas. Tomorrow it's this and the leaking rear valve cover gasket on the wife's 2009 T&C.
I did this on my 97 grand caravan about 2 weeks ago! I hadn't seen this video prior... I'm glad I had the common sense to take all the precautions you took as a professional!
As a old master auto mechanic (started in 1988) I really enjoy your videos, I feel your rants, laugh along with your sarcasm and appreciate your candor. I pick up new tricks and knowledge every video. Your a Platinum Level Mechanic and obviously an all around good person. Thank you.
Just did this Job. Awesome results. Thanks for your time in demo. Saved me a whole lot of wondering. Found it not to bad. All those plug-in connectors were the hardest little bugger's. Found that the EGR pipe was near plugged up with carbon. chinked it out. Nice and snappy now, no more coolant usage.
Hi, I'm a retired Master Mechanic myself but took advantage of your R&R video on this one. Helped me in knowing some of the shortcuts and tricks Dodge Mechanics use to GET PAID more than book time by shortening the process as much as possible. Knocked out the whole job in less than 2 hours. I still got it! :D My 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan needs to have the rear valve cover gasket changed out. Losing me a quart every 1500 miles or so. The front one was obviously changed by the previous owner but I recon the rear was too expensive or troublesome to do. Anyway, it's gotta be done. I'm considering removing the cowling to access the rear bank's top end. I know I can also remove the intake and get at it that way but what a pain in the ars to R&R including all the extra replacement parts. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! ;) I believe the PCV valve hasn't ever been changed either and it's hose is dry rotted and brittle anyway. I think it's also causing a slightly rough idle too. Kind of missing when it's idling at around 650 RPM in gear no A/C running. Smoother idle when A/C is running but RPM's are up to as high as 850 when A/C and cooling fan are active. What steps would you recommend to change out the rear valve cover gasket etc. without too much hassle and extra parts? Your tutorials are excellent! Keep up the good work! Thank you! Sparky Master Electrician
I totally agree with you on the tightening theory. After countless years at a dealership torquing things down your muscle memory starts to cut it. The new torque measurement is the "that'll do" setting. Never had an intake manifold come back...ever. Same thing goes for all bolts, even the caliper one's. One grunt is it! Happy days Eric, love your video's.
Hi Eric, I’ve been chasing a single cylinder misfire for a few months did all the usual stuff and finally determined it was an intake leak thanks to your video. Did the job this weekend following all the detail in your video - all turned out great and no more misfires.Thank you very much for the great content and incredible detail!
you mean it was an intake manifold coolant leak like in this video that caused your misfire??, i have the same issue too, changed al sparkplugs, wires, coil pack etc, i did notice a coolant loss, could it be causing the misfire then?
@@frontlinebandindia , The misfire went away for a few months after changing the intake manifold gasket. But then it came back and the coolant loss was more than it was before. Unfortunately it turned out to be a crack in the cylinder head. Same cylinder (#3) so I did a leak down test of the cylinder - first bring the cylinder to TDC, then hook up a compressor line to a compression tester hose (remove schrader valve) and screwed into #3 spark plug. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure I used like 20 psi and within seconds I had bubbling from the radiator reservoir and knew that either the head or the block was the issue. I removed the head (everything looked good) but I took it to a machine shop and they confirmed that there was a very small crack around cylinder 3. I replace the head and the engine has been rocksolid ever since. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to have a call I’d be happy to walk you through any specifics. It felt great finally getting this sorted and being able to enjoy the jeep again.
@@LongToad I didn’t because I’ve had nothing but bad luck with those stop leak products throughout the years of working on cars. In one instance it clogged my radiator and another a heater core. Removing and changing the heads seems intimidating but trust me it’s really straightforward - just take your time and you won’t have any issues. On top of all this, you’ll know that the job is done correctly and at a fraction of the price that it would cost to have done at a dealership or shop. I’m happy to walk you through any questions you may have.
@@thomashamel5606 Yeah, I always hear mixed reports on the stop leaks. I did use an aluminum one once and it stopped the leak but killed the heater core a few weeks later (as you said). I'll try taking the engine apart and see how far I get, I really appreciate the reply.
90 percent of auto repair is remembering where everything goes when you are done,lol. no left over parts today! My dad and I would joke about that years ago. In the early days of smog control,we changed that to ,the jobs not finished till there are parts left over. I believe in double checking the torque on all my jobs,unless its common fastners,then it doesnt matter. Dont tell my dad I said that. Well,to be truthful,I never have had anything come back because of a loose fastner issue. I know a guy that broke head bolts because he thought he didnt need to worry about torque. He finally learned his lesson. My last engine replace was an 89 Dodge caravan. A week later the transmission failed,go figure. My daughter ended up with that van,it served her faithfully for the time she was going to college.
Eric I love all of your video's, I just cannot stop watching them. My wife can identify you and Ivan's voices from 100 yards. I think you do the best job, your overall technique is better then anyone on the tube. The little things you do, like making sure we can see, showing us the tools and how you use them, just to mention a few. I cancelled my cable, I am actually learning thing instead of watching commercials!!!!!! As for common sense, it just isn't so common any longer!!
South Main Auto, Thank you for this video! Because of all the info and detail, I was able to do this exact same job on my wife's T&C. Granted, I took me a bit longer as I had to drill out a bolt that was broken (suspected cause of my leak) as well as clean the mating surfaces by hand as I only have basic tools, but hey...it worked and the leak seems to have stopped and the engine is running fine. Thank you again!
I must say that I am not a mechanic and only look up videos on how to fix stuff on my Chrysler T&C when there is a problem. I watched this entire video and I want to ASSIST someone in tackling this project. I’ve only ever replaced an alternator, starter, serpentine belt, battery and tires. This video was AWESOME!! Being a single mother, once I learn I definitely show my kids how to as well.
Thank you very much for posting this video. I really enjoyed it...especially how you pretty much keep everything going in real time. Saw where my '07 was leaking from the lower intake and felt a wave of dread come over me as I knew the job was going to have to be done...after watching your video I'm rather looking forward to it...Thanks again! Awesome!
Eric, I am so pleasantly surprised to see you "blow off" the engine before opening it up. My daughter had her 2005 F150 worked on at a local dealer for a broken timing belt guide. I happened to stop by the dealer to see how things were going . My son was with me (I and both my sons do most all of our own mechanic work) and he pointed out that there seemed to be fresh sand on her valve train. We took pictures of sand all over the upper end of her engine. When I pointed this out to the manager he told me that it was not a problem and that they could wipe it out with a shop rag.
Great job as usual! I may have to do this on my 2005 T&C someday and I'll refer back to this video. Mine has a 3.8L that looks almost identical except that my EGR valve is over by the alternator (front right). I've replaced both the EGR and alternator at one time or another and each gets in the way of the other, so maybe on the back left is a better place for the EGR.
Your town is lucky to have a great mechanic that is meticulous to detail. A bunch of hacks in this part of PA really have to do your homework to find a good one.....Love the long videos!!
I appreciate the detail even though I'm a heavy truck mechanic/shop supervisor but what impresses me the most about any video I watch you made is the care for the equipment you are working on!!!! Love the channel eric o and a big hello from Ohio!!!
Great video. It feels like I'm back in the shop again. I've got an 09' town and country that will need this repair soon. Thanks for the detailed and informative "tutorial". I feel much better prepared now that I've seen the process.
Sure you here it all the time. I know I've said this more then once, thanks for the breakdown and walking us through. You do a great job wrenching and video. Thanks again.
Great video and you covered every aspect of the intake gasket repair. I have to do the same repair on my wife’s T/C 3.8l and appreciate your information throughout the vid. I might replace that pcv hose on ours ,it is hard as a rock also. Thanks again!
If you can do your own oil changes and brakes, then this is doable around 4-6 hours, if it's your first time. Unless you want to spend $300-$400 to have this done at a shop.
You should try the Wera locking extensions. They'll keep you from dropping sockets down the intake after you put the silicone on. Great for spark plugs too!
So I was watching this video a couple weeks ago, and a couple days ago my wife's 2002 3.3L Grand Caravan started over heating. I was replacing the radiator because it was leaking by the top hose. I also decided to replace both hoses and the thermostat "while I was in there", and when I pulled the thermostat housing, sure enough I looked down and saw green running down the back of the engine. It was slightly different than the late model you worked on, but the same job once I got past that stupid power steering reservoir! They couldn't have bolted that to the body somewhere? At least I finally had a chance to install the back valve cover gasket that's been sitting on top of my tool box for the last 6 months. :)
Totally agree with you about the torque settings yes we all know they are important, but it's a even pressure to keep a flat surface against another flat surface. So if you go over a couple of pounds per square inch it doesn't really matter. Great video. Keep them coming
I've done a half dozen of these at work. Nice gravy job, I try to sell VC gaskets while im in there too. More often than not, they're leaking as well. And as for a radiator drain, I've always had them on the drivers side of the rad, kind of hard to see, but should be there!
Eric, I just watched 'Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leak', the first of your presentations I've ever seen. Thank you. I found it excellent apart from one small aspect that distracted me: the background radio! Sorry, but I'm just one of those!!!
Those are the same hooks that goes on sale after Christmas. They are used to hang wreaths. 50% off after Christmas. Probably a lot cheaper than OTC tools.
Also, I always found that spraying the connectors with a little electronics cleaner (the Mopar stuff we had at the dealer) helped lube up those connectors so they slid off a little easier.
This video gave me the confidence to try this myself this coming Saturday. Thank you. On a side note: I can't not mention that you look like the guy from Blues Clues!
My first experience with Surface Prep for gasket was 1969. My dad bought a 1967 Fury 2 station wagon. It had a 383 and valve covers for already leaking. So we went out to the garage to change the gaskets. I was about 11 years old. And the original gaskets on the valve covers were cork and had dried out two years! I didn't know any better I just figured that was the way things were. Then I get a little older and I realized that was pretty freaking stupid. But Dad had me clean the valve covers and prep the surface for the new gaskets. Dad was very particular about how those surfaces were prepped. We didn't use no stinkin carb cleaner we use the pan with gas in it! Another thing that was pretty amazing on a two-year-old car was how much sludge was stuck to the valve cover. I was taking it off with a putty knife. We didn't have any power tools it was all manual wrenches and wire brushes and steel wool. Dad clean the heads and at that time did new neoprene gaskets were available. That's why we put on. But Dad what is a good Mentor and teacher when it came to Surface Prep for gaskets. He would have watched you and smiled and then he would have admonished you not twice the carb cleaner and go easy on that it cost money. I think my dad would like you. you are probably got a kick out of him at the same time for different reasons.
Great video. I just wanted to mention that the torque rating on the upper intake may cause a bolt to break. I believe it is 9 ft-lbs which is insane. I recently did the head gaskets on a 2006 T&C 3.8 and I would go with about 6 ft-lbs or about 70-80 inch-lbs at most. 600 miles later and no vacuum leaks.
Hello, Eric first I, want to thank you for the detailed and professional job you done to this car and to all the other jobs you showed in your channel really you do a good job and thank you for all that info you share.
Would it be advisable to replace bolts that have been previously torqued?Your video is very detailed and will be a great guide for me when I change that intake gasket on my 2007 caravan.We have been losing coolant recently with no visible signs of a leak.Have that familiar brownish crust in the same location as on your video.My 360 ram charger has a similar issue in that some of the exhaust manifold bolts go thru into the water jacket and have indications of that brownish crust forming around the leaky ones.As Chrysler states they have been building the mini van for around 30+ years but they haven't really learned much in that time & only created more problems in them.All the engineers that design this stuff should have to do mock repairs on them while they are in the vehicles they were made for. Maybe then they could actually design vehicles with less stupid problems.
Love the videos! Can’t help but notice you didn’t disconnect the negative cable to the battery.. Chris Fix or Scotty Kilmer would blow their gaskets! Keep up the good work.
I'll be doing this exact repair next Friday. I'm kicking myself because I had the upper intake plenum off a few weeks ago to replace the valve cover gaskets! I missed my chance!
Great video Eric, thanks for bringing us along...sadly, common sense is rapidly becoming a super power these days. Some folk I've worked with can't operate without a full step by step procedure, complete with torque specs...oh my lol!!
Hello , I have a 2005 dodge grand caravan sxt 3.8 Liter, 2 years ago I had the same issue that Jamie Swartz had described. we found a pinholeleak on the seam of the radiator on the drivers side. believe me i had searched for days until i found it. i used plumbers leak detector from home depot to find it . i ended up replacing the radiator in 4 hours with help. it wasnt bad to replace and the price new was 230$. Best of luck!!!
Anyone who has the simplest to most difficult service done at South Main Auto. Can be sure no shop could have done a better job. This man is thorough. too bad nobody like him near me.
I originally started watching these videos when I watched a video about cleaning headlight lenses. Since then, I have watch one video after another. They are so informative and Eric's diagnostic skills are second to none. I would give anything to find a mechanic like him here in Georgia. Great skills and honesty are two things hard to find today. Keep up the good work Eric. I enjoy very much.
Have A Mechanic Like Him In Cairo,Ga. Intensive Care Auto Repair. Jack Bergman
This is really sad! Ive been working on cars for 43 years and would still rather watch you wrench than watch a movie etc.! Always learn something! Awsome vids!
Can I get kkhhgff off M
Damn right. Same here lol haha.
I'll second that, but I've only got 27 yrs bending wrenches...
I Don't Believe You
I've done lots of repairs on my vehicles over the years, but always external parts, Starters, Alternators, brakes, sensors, radiators, things like that. These videos make me think I made the wrong choice in life, as I think I could have made a good mechanic. Then again, it could just be Mr O's skill making it look good. :-)
Been an aircraft & auto mechanic for 40 yrs and your customers are lucky to have you working on their vehicles. All I've seen on your videos is a thorough systematic diagnosis, quality replacement parts & quality maintenance. Proud to see a quality job. Enjoy watching your videos
+Robert Hayward Thanks Robert!
I can never understand how Eric O. can remember the exact order to put everything back together. In this video, he must have removed 50 different items, bolts and components and he pops them all back like magic. No hesitation or guessing. That's why I get scared to tackle big jobs because I'm so afraid I won't be able to get it put back together correctly! Great video.
That's what is the basics of being an mechanic. Start with Lego, end with disassembly an engine and reassemble it. You put the screws back where they came from or to the thing they belong, make pictures with your smartphone if you work for several days or if all fails, lookup explosion images
@@Spelter Very true, but unlike Legos, not everything comes apart or goes back together that easily.
They are different, if you are a mechanic You will figure out. I used to work in fleet three shifts shop were most of the time you Will have to put together what another mechanics broke down.
This is too much fun to watch this again 8 years later!!
I'm a former navy engineer and I work on automobiles on the side for my neighborhood, too save them a $1 or two, and your info helps out a lot,love it that you keep your ball cap on too keep your hair from getting dirty😁
Eric it is obvious that God has truly blessed you in this field of work.
i really enjoy your taking the time to show the tools you use to do the jobs with. i also enjoy your slow texas like voice. i can understand every word. i was literally shocked you were from new york.
showing the little things is not reduntant at all.
and worth it to a lot of us. your lighting is great and camera angle. you are doing a great job
John Hafernik Howdy Yall! Haha well it is Upstate NY so we are a little slower then them city folks ;)
Great video. I thought I had a leaky head gasket on my wife's 08 Grand Caravan, but after watching this it's more than likely a lower intake leak as I have no other symptoms other than coolant on the bell housing. Thanks for posting!
Have owned Caravans since ‘70s. Always wished for better fuel mileage. Be careful what you wish for! In 2009 I took a small trip in our 2002 T&C and got 30mpg! That was exciting. About a week later I was idling at a traffic light when it just started misfiring and running very rough. Intake manifold had a pinhole air leak leading to burned intake valves on the two cylinders sharing that plenum. Now have a 2017 Pacifica that gets great mileage! It would seem they have figured it out. Thanks for your videos.
I know this is old, but I want to say thanks for your videos! I just used your video on the P0480 code to diagnose the bad fan control relay on our 06 T&C with the 3.3 engine, when I recalled seeing this video about a lower manifold coolant leak. Our van has been slowing losing coolant for a long time now, and you could occasionally smell antifreeze after shutting the van off. But we never actually saw a leak. Today while diagnosing the fan problem, I noticed that brown crusty stuff on top of the bell housing, and remembered this video. Looks like I will be doing this job in the future too. At least now I know what’s ahead of me. I’ll probably go ahead and do the valve cover gaskets while I got it that far down, as I’m sure they’ve never been done and are likely leaking by now. Probably replace the plugs too. I just wish you would have shown refilling the coolant, as I would have liked to have seen what if anything needs to be done to bleed the system of air.
Just had this repair done on my 2007 dodge grand caravan. Along with a radiator replacement (it was for sure another leak, and the only leak I knew of before the repair). I had never seen this repair done before, ty for showing me :-). I now understand why it was nearly 1100 dollars. for both RR
This made it finally possible to locate the source of our coolant smell (and leak) possible. Great video - helped me fix my own 2009 T&C. Thank You!
Wow, super video. Over the top on cleanliness. Only issue I witnessed, you never disconnected the negative battery cable. I was guilty of the very same thing. 23 years in, it finally bit me in the rear. Awesome video, you totally drew me in.
Great video. .my 2002 caravan was leaking at the same place. .but my mechanic was convinced it was the head gasket. ..I'm glad you made this video. ..you saved me a 1000 $
Another great video, even if it's from a few years back. This is probably the third or fourth time I've watched one of your videos the night before a repair to be sure I'm approaching it correctly and there are no gotchas. Tomorrow it's this and the leaking rear valve cover gasket on the wife's 2009 T&C.
I did this on my 97 grand caravan about 2 weeks ago! I hadn't seen this video prior... I'm glad I had the common sense to take all the precautions you took as a professional!
As a old master auto mechanic (started in 1988) I really enjoy your videos, I feel your rants, laugh along with your sarcasm and appreciate your candor. I pick up new tricks and knowledge every video. Your a Platinum Level Mechanic and obviously an all around good person. Thank you.
Thanks 👍
Just did this Job. Awesome results. Thanks for your time in demo. Saved me a whole lot of wondering. Found it not to bad. All those plug-in connectors were the hardest little bugger's. Found that the EGR pipe was near plugged up with carbon. chinked it out. Nice and snappy now, no more coolant usage.
Hi, I'm a retired Master Mechanic myself but took advantage of your R&R video on this one. Helped me in knowing some of the shortcuts and tricks Dodge Mechanics use to GET PAID more than book time by shortening the process as much as possible. Knocked out the whole job in less than 2 hours. I still got it! :D
My 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan needs to have the rear valve cover gasket changed out. Losing me a quart every 1500 miles or so. The front one was obviously changed by the previous owner but I recon the rear was too expensive or troublesome to do. Anyway, it's gotta be done.
I'm considering removing the cowling to access the rear bank's top end. I know I can also remove the intake and get at it that way but what a pain in the ars to R&R including all the extra replacement parts. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! ;)
I believe the PCV valve hasn't ever been changed either and it's hose is dry rotted and brittle anyway. I think it's also causing a slightly rough idle too. Kind of missing when it's idling at around 650 RPM in gear no A/C running. Smoother idle when A/C is running but RPM's are up to as high as 850 when A/C and cooling fan are active.
What steps would you recommend to change out the rear valve cover gasket etc. without too much hassle and extra parts?
Your tutorials are excellent! Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
Sparky
Master Electrician
Very nice step-by-step procedure on the intake manifold gasket replacement Eric. Keep up the good work!
stuzman52 Hey Terry Thanks!
The sickening sound of a bolt disappearing into the open inlet!...
block off those holes.
enjoyable video Mr O
Im with you there 100%. I always tape them.
I totally agree with you on the tightening theory. After countless years at a dealership torquing things down your muscle memory starts to cut it. The new torque measurement is the "that'll do" setting. Never had an intake manifold come back...ever.
Same thing goes for all bolts, even the caliper one's. One grunt is it! Happy days Eric, love your video's.
Hi Eric, I’ve been chasing a single cylinder misfire for a few months did all the usual stuff and finally determined it was an intake leak thanks to your video. Did the job this weekend following all the detail in your video - all turned out great and no more misfires.Thank you very much for the great content and incredible detail!
you mean it was an intake manifold coolant leak like in this video that caused your misfire??, i have the same issue too, changed al sparkplugs, wires, coil pack etc, i did notice a coolant loss, could it be causing the misfire then?
@@frontlinebandindia , The misfire went away for a few months after changing the intake manifold gasket. But then it came back and the coolant loss was more than it was before. Unfortunately it turned out to be a crack in the cylinder head.
Same cylinder (#3) so I did a leak down test of the cylinder - first bring the cylinder to TDC, then hook up a compressor line to a compression tester hose (remove schrader valve) and screwed into #3 spark plug. You don’t need to use a lot of pressure I used like 20 psi and within seconds I had bubbling from the radiator reservoir and knew that either the head or the block was the issue.
I removed the head (everything looked good) but I took it to a machine shop and they confirmed that there was a very small crack around cylinder 3. I replace the head and the engine has been rocksolid ever since. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to have a call I’d be happy to walk you through any specifics. It felt great finally getting this sorted and being able to enjoy the jeep again.
@@thomashamel5606 Just curious, did you try any sort of stop leak before replacing the head?
@@LongToad I didn’t because I’ve had nothing but bad luck with those stop leak products throughout the years of working on cars. In one instance it clogged my radiator and another a heater core. Removing and changing the heads seems intimidating but trust me it’s really straightforward - just take your time and you won’t have any issues. On top of all this, you’ll know that the job is done correctly and at a fraction of the price that it would cost to have done at a dealership or shop.
I’m happy to walk you through any questions you may have.
@@thomashamel5606 Yeah, I always hear mixed reports on the stop leaks. I did use an aluminum one once and it stopped the leak but killed the heater core a few weeks later (as you said). I'll try taking the engine apart and see how far I get, I really appreciate the reply.
90 percent of auto repair is remembering where everything goes when you are done,lol. no left over parts today! My dad and I would joke about that years ago. In the early days of smog control,we changed that to ,the jobs not finished till there are parts left over. I believe in double checking the torque on all my jobs,unless its common fastners,then it doesnt matter. Dont tell my dad I said that. Well,to be truthful,I never have had anything come back because of a loose fastner issue. I know a guy that broke head bolts because he thought he didnt need to worry about torque. He finally learned his lesson. My last engine replace was an 89 Dodge caravan. A week later the transmission failed,go figure. My daughter ended up with that van,it served her faithfully for the time she was going to college.
Guys like you inspire me to get things done...I need that push at times THANKS
Eric I love all of your video's, I just cannot stop watching them. My wife can identify you and Ivan's voices from 100 yards. I think you do the best job, your overall technique is better then anyone on the tube. The little things you do, like making sure we can see, showing us the tools and how you use them, just to mention a few. I cancelled my cable, I am actually learning thing instead of watching commercials!!!!!!
As for common sense, it just isn't so common any longer!!
Never been a fan of Chrysler but that sure was a fine repair video!
davidgpo Thanks :)
South Main Auto,
Thank you for this video! Because of all the info and detail, I was able to do this exact same job on my wife's T&C.
Granted, I took me a bit longer as I had to drill out a bolt that was broken (suspected cause of my leak) as well as clean the mating surfaces by hand as I only have basic tools, but hey...it worked and the leak seems to have stopped and the engine is running fine.
Thank you again!
I must say that I am not a mechanic and only look up videos on how to fix stuff on my Chrysler T&C when there is a problem. I watched this entire video and I want to ASSIST someone in tackling this project. I’ve only ever replaced an alternator, starter, serpentine belt, battery and tires. This video was AWESOME!! Being a single mother, once I learn I definitely show my kids how to as well.
Thank you very much for posting this video. I really enjoyed it...especially how you pretty much keep everything going in real time. Saw where my '07 was leaking from the lower intake and felt a wave of dread come over me as I knew the job was going to have to be done...after watching your video I'm rather looking forward to it...Thanks again! Awesome!
Eric,
I am so pleasantly surprised to see you "blow off" the engine before opening it up. My daughter had her 2005 F150 worked on at a local dealer for a broken timing belt guide. I happened to stop by the dealer to see how things were going . My son was with me (I and both my sons do most all of our own mechanic work) and he pointed out that there seemed to be fresh sand on her valve train. We took pictures of sand all over the upper end of her engine. When I pointed this out to the manager he told me that it was not a problem and that they could wipe it out with a shop rag.
Good to go, Eric. Done this job many times. That's how I've done it too. Same way. I still do it. Thank you for telling my story. I can't believe it.
Another great instructional video! Clear, detailed, and step by step. Thanks!
I also appreciate the way you respect the engine by cleaning it off with the air.
Fantastic job!! Everytime i watch Your videos i learn something new!! Love the way You cleaned and did this job right. Class A Mechanic You are!!
Great job as usual! I may have to do this on my 2005 T&C someday and I'll refer back to this video. Mine has a 3.8L that looks almost identical except that my EGR valve is over by the alternator (front right). I've replaced both the EGR and alternator at one time or another and each gets in the way of the other, so maybe on the back left is a better place for the EGR.
Your town is lucky to have a great mechanic that is meticulous to detail. A bunch of hacks in this part of PA really have to do your homework to find a good one.....Love the long videos!!
mikedevv1 Glad you enjoy :)
The 2007-2011 Jeep JK community can also use this video to give them pointers on how to tackle this tricky job as well. Thanks Eric!
swedesam YW
you are for real, u helped me much with brake problems where there was no help before. glad to find you. may god bless youand yours
Just did this on my 2005 caravan 3.3l. Thank you very much for this video Eric. My beast lives on!
We always called those wires baling wires. Our auto instructor got a little angry when we called it that. Good work!
argonian bilbo Nice , Thanks!
I appreciate the detail even though I'm a heavy truck mechanic/shop supervisor but what impresses me the most about any video I watch you made is the care for the equipment you are working on!!!! Love the channel eric o and a big hello from Ohio!!!
Thanks Andrew
Andrew Simons Cornelia reyna
I agree, i cant stop learning from this guy... i love his funny comments too...lol... love this guy...
Great video. It feels like I'm back in the shop again. I've got an 09' town and country that will need this repair soon. Thanks for the detailed and informative "tutorial". I feel much better prepared now that I've seen the process.
Noticed my van was leaking today and need to replace the manifold gasket and found this vid. Thanks Eric!
Glad to see you're uploading 1080p again and spoiling us with 60fps. Keep up the great work.
Derek Vermette Yep got it all squared away now.
Eric I want to be like you when I grow up. Mad skills.
Sure you here it all the time. I know I've said this more then once, thanks for the breakdown and walking us through. You do a great job wrenching and video. Thanks again.
Eric, your comment about the "K" car made me laugh, as I am a better mechanic today for having owned and worked on one!
Rebuild a lot of carbs on the 82K cars and others
I think guys like Troy that help, are cool. It takes time to make a video. It's great that Troy helped.
Good stuff, all you guys. We're pro. We enjoy Eric's channel. What he does, I do it every day.
Great video and you covered every aspect of the intake gasket repair. I have to do the same repair on my wife’s T/C 3.8l and appreciate your information throughout the vid. I might replace that pcv hose on ours ,it is hard as a rock also. Thanks again!
Great video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, your wisdom, and love of helping others to grow
I truly appreciate your attention to detail. You do exceptionally fine work. Great video.
Emitt Malone Thanks Emitt
Another excellent video, Eric. Thanks for bringing us along on the job.
Jeffrey Cardimen Thanks for watching
Jeffrey Cardimen he only spends like 15 mins working on the car the rest is just him running his mouth with unrelated info
Who p*ssed in your corn flakes this morning, if you don't enjoy watching his videos go watch something else.
porter littlefield I did go watch something else bruh
im not 70 or 7 I don't eat corn flakes .
I definitely have to pick up a inch pound torque wrench ...excellent video thank you..
***** Yep great tool to have
Outstanding video, well filmed, easy to view most process. Clear instruction, I don't think it's a job for beginners.
If you can do your own oil changes and brakes, then this is doable around 4-6 hours, if it's your first time. Unless you want to spend $300-$400 to have this done at a shop.
You should try the Wera locking extensions. They'll keep you from dropping sockets down the intake after you put the silicone on. Great for spark plugs too!
So I was watching this video a couple weeks ago, and a couple days ago my wife's 2002 3.3L Grand Caravan started over heating. I was replacing the radiator because it was leaking by the top hose. I also decided to replace both hoses and the thermostat "while I was in there", and when I pulled the thermostat housing, sure enough I looked down and saw green running down the back of the engine. It was slightly different than the late model you worked on, but the same job once I got past that stupid power steering reservoir! They couldn't have bolted that to the body somewhere?
At least I finally had a chance to install the back valve cover gasket that's been sitting on top of my tool box for the last 6 months. :)
Totally agree with you
about the torque settings yes we all know they are important, but it's a even pressure to keep a flat surface against another flat surface. So if you go over a couple of pounds per square inch it doesn't really matter. Great video. Keep them coming
Thanks shaun pi
I wish I could bring my car to your shop ....I really appreciate you sharing these videos
Excellent video. Thanks for taking the effort to make this. Just a very nicely done job, and is certainly appreciated.
Thanks for the great video. After watching you do this, i feel confident enough to repair my Daughters Town & Country.
+Ron Smith Oh yeah no problem , this is an easy fix :)
Did one of these yesterday, forgot what the torque specs were and whatnot. Good paying job. Thanks Erico:)
Great video Eric, and fine workmanship. Also, thanks for 1080p @ 60fps. Looks great.
***** Thanks I got it figured out now
I like when you give your opinion on the tools you use.
Thanks for bringing us along Eric, great video as all of yours are, very informative
badranger2004 Thanks for watching
I've done a half dozen of these at work. Nice gravy job, I try to sell VC gaskets while im in there too. More often than not, they're leaking as well. And as for a radiator drain, I've always had them on the drivers side of the rad, kind of hard to see, but should be there!
Matt Simmons Oh nice good info thanks
Eric, I just watched 'Lower Intake Manifold Coolant Leak', the first of your presentations I've ever seen. Thank you. I found it excellent apart from one small aspect that distracted me: the background radio! Sorry, but I'm just one of those!!!
Those are the same hooks that goes on sale after Christmas. They are used to hang wreaths. 50% off after Christmas. Probably a lot cheaper than OTC tools.
Hi Eric...…..
Your running commentary...is SOOOO Good
thank you....big big
i like your magnetized tray - helps keep everything organized
I noticed you unloaded your clicker torque wrench before putting it away. Good move to keep it calibrated. I always do the same.
Agree with evenly tightened..Never used a torque wrench all these yrs..no problem yet...Great video
Also, I always found that spraying the connectors with a little electronics cleaner (the Mopar stuff we had at the dealer) helped lube up those connectors so they slid off a little easier.
Another great video, thank you for all the work you put into these.
WRX Mike Glad you enjoy!
Very nice video, top notch work. Thanks for bringing us along.
DC Rickerson Thanks for coming along
This video gave me the confidence to try this myself this coming Saturday. Thank you.
On a side note: I can't not mention that you look like the guy from Blues Clues!
Very well said about tongue down the manifold. I done a few myself. Nice job Eric.
My first experience with Surface Prep for gasket was 1969. My dad bought a 1967 Fury 2 station wagon. It had a 383 and valve covers for already leaking. So we went out to the garage to change the gaskets. I was about 11 years old. And the original gaskets on the valve covers were cork and had dried out two years! I didn't know any better I just figured that was the way things were. Then I get a little older and I realized that was pretty freaking stupid. But Dad had me clean the valve covers and prep the surface for the new gaskets. Dad was very particular about how those surfaces were prepped. We didn't use no stinkin carb cleaner we use the pan with gas in it! Another thing that was pretty amazing on a two-year-old car was how much sludge was stuck to the valve cover. I was taking it off with a putty knife. We didn't have any power tools it was all manual wrenches and wire brushes and steel wool. Dad clean the heads and at that time did new neoprene gaskets were available. That's why we put on. But Dad what is a good Mentor and teacher when it came to Surface Prep for gaskets. He would have watched you and smiled and then he would have admonished you not twice the carb cleaner and go easy on that it cost money. I think my dad would like you. you are probably got a kick out of him at the same time for different reasons.
Pleased as punch about receiving a gift, and a useful one at that. He even said Thanks 3 times. Nice guy…
Great video. I just wanted to mention that the torque rating on the upper intake may cause a bolt to break. I believe it is 9 ft-lbs which is insane. I recently did the head gaskets on a 2006 T&C 3.8 and I would go with about 6 ft-lbs or about 70-80 inch-lbs at most. 600 miles later and no vacuum leaks.
Hello, Eric first I, want to thank you for the detailed and professional job you done to this car and to all the other jobs you showed in your channel really you do a good job and thank you for all that info you share.
j georges Well you welcome glad you enjoy!
Very detailed and precision editing! Go Eric O!
You are an awesome mechanic! Thank you for sharing!
Would it be advisable to replace bolts that have been previously torqued?Your video is very detailed and will be a great guide for me when I change that intake gasket on my 2007 caravan.We have been losing coolant recently with no visible signs of a leak.Have that familiar brownish crust in the same location as on your video.My 360 ram charger has a similar issue in that some of the exhaust manifold bolts go thru into the water jacket and have indications of that brownish crust forming around the leaky ones.As Chrysler states they have been building the mini van for around 30+ years but they haven't really learned much in that time & only created more problems in them.All the engineers that design this stuff should have to do mock repairs on them while they are in the vehicles they were made for. Maybe then they could actually design vehicles with less stupid problems.
Excellent video. We've got the exact same leak in the exact same spot on our 3.8L 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. I may need to come and see you.
Love the videos! Can’t help but notice you didn’t disconnect the negative cable to the battery.. Chris Fix or Scotty Kilmer would blow their gaskets! Keep up the good work.
Wow! Wish I could work with you I think you’re an awesome mechanic/ instructor. Great work!
The old k car. That's awesome I saw one today can't believe those things are still on the road also saw a amc eagle today too
I'll be doing this exact repair next Friday. I'm kicking myself because I had the upper intake plenum off a few weeks ago to replace the valve cover gaskets! I missed my chance!
Great video Eric, thanks for bringing us along...sadly, common sense is rapidly becoming a super power these days. Some folk I've worked with can't operate without a full step by step procedure, complete with torque specs...oh my lol!!
+chr11sf " common sense is rapidly becoming a super power these days" -- Haha ain't that the truth!
That valley pan/intake gasket is a throwback to the 1950s!
Just crazy!
LOL
Hello , I have a 2005 dodge grand caravan sxt 3.8 Liter, 2 years ago I had the same issue that Jamie Swartz had described. we found a pinholeleak on the seam of the radiator on the drivers side. believe me i had searched for days until i found it. i used plumbers leak detector from home depot to find it . i ended up replacing the radiator in 4 hours with help. it wasnt bad to replace and the price new was 230$. Best of luck!!!
@11:30. I’m always amazed when I see a ‘K’ car driving around, someone must have loved it and good for them.
One of the best mechanics on youtube! Always enjoy your videos and very good information. Thank You!
I myself can't imagine working on vehicles where you are, I guess the desert has spoiled me with the rust free vehicles here
badranger2004 It is like heaven for mechanics haha
I wrench on my own stuff, and my families. I have never torqued a bolt or nut to spec! There I said it. I feel so much better. 😁
LOL the truth shall set you free.
I usually just tighten the bolt or nut until my elbow clicks.
Lmao same here oh well no problems yet
Wheels a few times but not usually. I don't even own a torque wrench. 😂