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1999 Grand Voyager Radiator or Head Gasket??!


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sullivan1
New User

Nov 5, 2012, 4:55 AM

Post #1 of 6 (2650 views)
1999 Grand Voyager Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

Chrysler Grand Voyager 1999
Engine 3.3L Desiel
120k miles

Car has been overheating with smoke coming from the engine, water needed replacing constantly but could not find a leak anywhere within or under the vehicle on topping it up. It is currently in the garage and have been told the radiator needs replacing but also head gasket has probably gone.. They have said they cannot confirm this without first replacing radiator and removing engine. Quote for work seems a little steep considering we may still need to pay for gasket on top.

Could anyone advise or comfirm this work would need to be done in order to diognose the problem.. I am a complete novice with cars!


(This post was edited by sullivan1 on Nov 5, 2012, 7:18 AM)


MarineGrunt
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Nov 5, 2012, 6:34 AM

Post #2 of 6 (2609 views)
Re: 1999 Grand Voyger Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

If they are removing the engine the first time then the head gasket should be included in the price. There's no reason they should have to pull the engine only to diagnose a head gasket. There's really no reason to pull the engine in order to replace the head gasket. Although, being a minivan, maybe some mechanics think it's easier to get to with the engine out. I replaced the intake in our Chevy Venture 8 months ago or so and left the engine in while doing it. The intake is right above the head so it would've have taken me much longer to replace the head gasket with the engine still in. I'd maybe get a second opinion.


The regular mechanics on the site will be along shortly. They will be able to offer you some great advice. Wait until they reply before you do anything.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 5, 2012, 6:43 AM

Post #3 of 6 (2609 views)
Re: 1999 Grand Voyger Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

sullivan1: What the heck is this vehicle? I couldn't find a 3.0 diesel at all nor a "Voyager" under Chrysler nameplate.

No matter really as if you are overheating with no visible loss of coolant it does strongly suggest gasket (heads) or cracks/flaws in the parts involved are violated and you wouldn't know that for sure until apart as to what extent the fix would be,

T



nickwarner
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Nov 5, 2012, 6:28 PM

Post #4 of 6 (2553 views)
Re: 1999 Grand Voyger Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

Tom, Voyager is the Plymouth version of the Dodge Caravan. But not in the history of Chrysler minivans has there ever been a diesel. The 3.3 v6 was standard fare for the 99 model year with the option of the 3.8, which was essentially the same motor with a different bore and stroke. So either this has a typo in it and is gasoline or they make a diesel version of this somewhere off this continent. What country are you in? No matter what, there is a chemical test to determine if combustion gasses are present in the cooling system. Its inexpensive and requires no tearbown. If they think they have to rip the motor out to even diagnose this then take it somewhere else that has a better clue what they are doing.

I don't suppose you are in Europe and this has the Mercedes 3.0 CRD in it, does it?


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Nov 5, 2012, 9:48 PM

Post #5 of 6 (2541 views)
Re: 1999 Grand Voyger Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

Seems there was a "Mopar" {{meaning Chrysler product to me}} 3.0 (code '3') in 3% - ? Then some designation 'PR' as if perhaps something for export. PR is postal code for Puerto Rico. I plead I dunno what the heck this is.

Chrysler has been in bed with VW, Mitsubishi, Borg Warner and no doubt many more that I never came across,

Tom



Sidom
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Nov 5, 2012, 10:16 PM

Post #6 of 6 (2533 views)
Re: 1999 Grand Voyager Radiator or Head Gasket??! Sign In

Some tests to diag faulty head gaskets requires the cooling system to in fairly good working order......I.E if there is a blown hose or a big leak in the radiator then they won't be able to run that test....

There are other tests that can be run to diag a head gasket problem but does require more work and time to preform.....

That being said removing an engine to diag a head gasket problem is a little bit of overkill.....

If there is a question on whether you are going to keep the van or get rid of it, then find a shop that can do a leakdown test and checkout the engine BEFORE replacing ANYTHING..

If you are going to keep the van no matter what, then fix the radiator and any other obvious problems and then test the coolant for exhaust gases using a chemical or fluid test.....


.........................................................................................................................
Didn't see your reply until after I posted Nick........... It's late & I'm tired but it's pretty much the same thing you said......


(This post was edited by Sidom on Nov 5, 2012, 10:23 PM)






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