133k Clean Oil Pan

[Terry Hennessy]

FYI, FWIIW, at 133k/ 18-19yo on my 2005 Chrysler T&C 3.8, I pulled oil pan and VC gaskets due to leaks. Amazing was the oil pan with zero grit/ zero sludge, where I expected at least a small amount, I found zero, running my fingertips thru the oil pan residue. Vehicle history has been various Name Brand oils and filters and changes at 2k-4k. I applaud the OIL INDUSTRY and have said for many years that MY engine success and that of many others from Chainsaws to Lawn to V-10 and Diesel has been DUE to the IMPROVEMENTS in OILS from the industry. I am old enough to recall teh days when 3-years and 40K found 80% of engines needing repair/ replacement. THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR EFFORTS AND RESULTS.

 

[Furious]

Those old Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 engines are solid, easy to get 300,000 out of them if you simply maintain them and stick to 5K oil changes.

Did you ever service the transmission?, the 40TE/41TE transmissions are solid if properly maintained as well.

 

[Number_35]

Those old Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 engines are solid, easy to get 300,000 out of them if you simply maintain them and stick to 5K oil changes.

Did you ever service the transmission?, the 40TE/41TE transmissions are solid if properly maintained as well.

That's good to hear - I'm running a 2007 DGC with the 3.3/4-speed automatic. I expect the drivetrain to outlast the body.

@Terry Hennessy, welcome aboard!

 

[Furious]

That's good to hear - I'm running a 2007 DGC with the 3.3/4-speed automatic. I expect the drivetrain to outlast the body.

@Terry Hennessy, welcome aboard!

The biggest reason why a lot of these vans were junked is due to transmission failure. But the issue with that is in most cases it likely was not transmission failure.

The 40TE/41TE transmissions are pretty solid if maintained, but a very common weak point is the solenoid pack which is located on top of the transmission and is easy to replace and not too expensive. This part failure has led to many shops claiming the transmission has failed when it in fact has not.

If you maintain the engine and transmission it very likely will outlast the body especially in Canada, that is a pretty weak point on these vans as well, they didn't have the best rust protection.

 

[wlk]

Those old Chrysler 3.3 and 3.8 engines are solid, easy to get 300,000 out of them if you simply maintain them and stick to 5K oil changes.

Did you ever service the transmission?, the 40TE/41TE transmissions are solid if properly maintained as well.

Had a 3.3l '96 caravan and loved it. Probably my 2nd favorite vehicle behind my Element i have ever owned. I bought ours at ~180k miles and sold it at about 260k when we moved in '05, ex hated it. Trans was fine thankfully and my mechanic who bought it from me had it for several years after me. It had the 2 middle captains chairs and rode very smooth. Miss that thing

 

[2009Caraman]

I love these vans with the 3.3 and 4 speed auto combo. They just keep going. Yeah, frequent oil changes is all they need. Siphon out 1 litre of atf4 every 10-15000km and replace. No need to change transmission filter more than once this way.

 

[Number_35]

I love these vans with the 3.3 and 4 speed auto combo. They just keep going. Yeah, frequent oil changes is all they need. Siphon out 1 litre of atf4 every 10-15000km and replace. No need to change transmission filter more than once this way.

I installed a Dorman pan with drain plug shortly after buying ours in March 2021. About every other oil change, I also do a drain-and-fill on the transmission. About 2-1/2 litres out, and always an ATF+4 of some sort back in. So far, so good.