93 3.0 V-6 GRAND CARAVAN ENGINE OIL LEAKS--IS THIS NORMAL ??

The side of the engine where the starter is located sure is wet with
oil--is this typical? Van has 116,000 miles on it. Any suggestions as
to where the leak may be coming from and how to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

 

The 3.0V6 is known for it's oil leaks. I am surprised at this mileage
you are just discovering oil leaks with this motor. Most of the time,
it is valve cover leaks, but cam seals also can fail and cause massive
oil leaks. My experience is about every 40K miles I need to do the
valve covers, and every 80K miles cam seals.
Expect this to be a $300 repair if cam seals are involved.

Good Luck,

Bill

 

These engines are also known for leaky valve guide oil seals, and valve
guides that sink into the combustion chamber. I don't when the fixes
where finally put into production. I would suggest checking allpar.com.

-KM

-KM

 

Used to have a 3.0 in a 94 Acclaim. The thing PUKED oil at 138,000
kms. So bad it was "Fill the oil, check the gas". Got rid of the thing
almost 4 years ago and you can STILL see the oil stain in my parking
spot at work.

I got rid of the thing rather than put a single penny into such a
badly designed engine. Every penny you save from enhanced performance
and gas milage will be lost in maintenance of the damn thing.

So, yeah, oil leaks are quite normal on this engine!

The best way to find the leaks is to:

1) Have the Engine Shampooed (top AND bottom)
2) Have an oil change done, and have them put a UV tracer in the oil.
3) Drive it for a week, then take it to the shop. They will shine a UV
light on it, and ALL the oil leaks will be clearly visible.

You can then get an estimate of what each one will cost, and will be
able to prioritize in terms of your budget.

Or you can push it over a cliff, and buy a Van with the 3.3 or 3.8 in
it!

 

Or you can push it over a cliff, and buy a Van with the 3.3 or 3.8 in

And a spare tranny or two?