Oil type for Caravan

[coopns]

I got talked out of using Auto-Rx, thanks for the advice. Now I would like to go with synthetic, any recommendations for oil and filter?

 

[JHZR2]

Mobil 1 5w30 and a mopar filter purchased from a discount OE parts site online.

JMH

 

[John D]

What size motor in the Caravan?

I was using Mobil 1 5W30 and 10W30 in my '91 3.3l and found that the motor consumed this oil like crazy. It didn't appear to be burning it because I didn't see any blue smoke. I then switched to Delvac1 5W40 and the consumption almost disappeared. If you decide to use the Mobil 1 and notice that you have to top up somewhat frequently, you may want to consider a heavier 30wt. My next oil changes on the Caravan and 3.9l Dakota will be with Esso XD-3 0W30, so I'll see how that does in these vehicles.

As far as the filter goes, if you have a Carquest or NAPA store close by, you can pick up a Carquest Premium filter or a NAPA Gold. These are just rebadged Wix filters. I usually order the true Wix filters from a parts shop close to me. I know I can pick up a Carquest Premium filter much easier, but one of the guys at Carquest was giving me some trouble about something, so I don't go there now if I don't have to. Plus, I can get Carquest parts at another outlet store cheaper than I can get them at Carquest, so that's what I usually do.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

I have/had two different Caravans with 3.3 and 2.5 engines. Both seemed to like 3 quarts Castrol 10w30 & 1.5 quarts Castrol Syntec 10w30.

That's the only way I use any synthetic blend oil. I do not trust the percentage of synthetic oil manufacturers use/claim to use. Most only use 15-20% anyways. So for the same price, this will give you 33% synthetic blend.
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Yes... I am an oil mixologist. I am currently taking medicine to cure me of this lovely habit... lol

 

[Idrinkmotoroil]

my 2001 Caravan with the 3.3 L engine recommends 10w30 viscosity in most situations other than really cold winter temps. I've been running Quaker State 5w30 Winter oil over the winter and will be swapping to a 10w30 for summer. This engine consumes zero oil, i've been really impressed. The van also runs really well with this Quaker State Winter oil, I think they have put a generous amount of synthetic into this oil as it ran great all winter, very smooth and quiet and started easily in deep winter temps. I might just switch to 10w30 Winter oil for summer months, it seems to be great oil.

Joey

 

[coopns]

How can I tell what type of engine I have? Grand Caravan Sport 02, will it say in the manual?

How many quarts should I buy?

The Dodge dealer said I should change the the throttle body, what is that and is it hard to change?

Thanks.

[ April 20, 2005, 08:11 PM: Message edited by: coopns ]

 

[John D]

Usually the engine size is located on the intake plenum. If it is a V6 (3.3l, 3.8l or 3.0l), it should be right on the top of the engine. I'm not sure what engines were offered for your van. The engine size is also listed somewhere on a sticker inside the engine hood. This sticker usually lists engine size, spark plug gaps, engine type, etc. Once you find the engine size, the owner's manual will list the different fluid quantities for each engine. I suppose either of the engines should take 4.5 quarts or so of oil with a filter change (do not quote me on that!).

I don't know why the throttle body needs to be changed on a '02 vehicle. Are you having any driveability or idle problems? I would imagine that if there is something wrong with the throttle body, that the powertrain warranty would cover it.

 

[Ross]

I have owned 2 caravans, both i purchased new:

1992 GC ES 3.3

2000 GC sport 3.3

Both cars ran on Mobil 1 5w30 (nothing else) the 92 would burn 1/2 quart every 3,000. The 00 burns nothing noticable.

I don't know who told you to not auto-rx your van, but if it has over 50,000 miles, I would do it. I did my 00 last year and am also using a maintenance dose of rx with every oil change.

Good luck!