Caravan...belt or timing chain?

[coopns]

02 Grand Caravan, does it have a belt or timing chain? I see the serpetine belt, but does it also have another belt/timing change.

Could someone explain that...dummies version for me?

Almost 100k on it, probably time for a change eh?

Thanks.

 

[rriddle3]

The 3.8L engine for that year has a timing chain.

 

[coopns]

Would you replace it or are they good for awhile? Are they expensive and big procedure to fix?

 

[Colt45ws]

Timing chains usually last a long time...at least until the tensioner fails/wears through and lets it get sloppy. For sure your good for quite awhile.

 

[coopns]

I have a 3.3. Still chains?

 

[jazztrumpet216]

Quote:

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I have a 3.3. Still chains?

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Yes. The 3.8 is basically a larger 3.3, so the two motors share many internals. The chains on these engines are generally regarded as maintenance-free. The only Chrysler minivans with a belt are the 2.4L 4 bangers and the older 3.0L Mitsubishi motors.

 

[MrCritical]

I wouldn't change a chain till I had a problem. 100k is nothing.

 

[Anduril]

If it sounds like a diesel when it's idling, there's a good chance the tensioner is shot and the chain is bouncing around a bit in there. A timing chain itself almost never fails; if there's going to be something that gives out, it'll be the tensioner.

 

[remmious]

That's funny to see that description. Our 2003 Caravan has from day one had some slight engine noises (even my wife noticed it) and now that it has ~65K on it I make the comment all the time we have a diesel caravan. I was listening to it last night and sounded like it was coming from the upper portion of the engine but it's hard to tell. Well it's something to investigate.

Thanks!

 

[meep]

our 3.3 '02 always ran quieter on minimum 10-30. 5-30 and it made a racket. Smooth as silk to drive tho.

NOT RELATED - BTW- extra ground harness tying alt to intake to body, and body to batt to ECU, improved trans "confidence" noticeably in this car. Trans already shifted well, but this was better. Decided to do it b/c with the headlights on there was a 1.3V drop from alt frame to battery (-). I used 8Ga wire that worked better than oem, it even warmed up when heavy loads were on, despite the oem wiring still being in place.

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