‘05 Town & Country 3.8L valve cover gasket replacement

[Pat in Speedway]

Bought this a couple years ago with 150k miles. Thanks to a balmy 60 degree Indiana day today, I decided to tackle a leaky front valve cover gasket. Really happy with what I uncovered. No idea the prior owners maintenance schedule, but I've been using either Amsoil XL 5w20 or Phillips 66 Shield Choice 10w30. Average OCI since I've had it is around 7500 miles.

 

[JC1]

Looks great! Thanks for the pics.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Looks good

 

[Chris Meutsch]

That ain't bad.

 

[joekingcorvette]

Looking good!

 

[bcossa2001]

And it was easily accessible.............Ž

 

[Danno]

The OCD in me would have me changing the rear gasket as well....

 

[Pat in Speedway]

Originally Posted by Danno
The OCD in me would have me changing the rear gasket as well....

I hear ya! As a PITA that one is to take off, I did my due diligence and ran my phone back there and took some pics. While there's minor seepage, there's no leakage like in the front. I didn't want to ruin my good day I had replacing the front one with no problems. I'll likely tackle the rear one in the spring when I do all my other annual spring maintenance on it.

 

[THORROMIG]

Likes good -- happy motoring away!!!

 

[MrQuackers]

Looks fantastic! How many miles now?

 

[Carbuff]

The rear valve cover & plugs on the Chrysler minivans are easily accessible if you remove the wiper cowl. (If it's been a while you may need a small puller to remove the wiper arms).

Takes 15 minutes, the second or third time...

PS: replace the PCV valve while you are back there.

 

[sloinker]

These are good and long lasting motors. The few I have come across that have had early demise were a result of a stuck OE thermostat. Cheap and easy insurance if it hasn't been changed yet.

 

[Pat in Speedway]

Originally Posted by MrQuackers
Looks fantastic! How many miles now?
Sitting at 183,000 right now.

 

[MrQuackers]

My brother has a 3.8 GC with about 300k miles on it. Engine runs like a fine watch.

 

[ARB1977]

Nice