Dodge Grand Caravan easy fix for coolant loss & smoke from under hood
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- Опубліковано 12 сер 2014
- A weak link in the Dodge Grand Caravan, Town and Country, and other models is a plastic "Y pipe" heater hose fitting that begins to leak. The coolant drips directly onto the hot exhaust manifold pipe and vaporizes, resulting in coolant loss.
Often times the coolant loss will seem to be a mystery because there are no visual wet spots due to the instant vaporization. It is only when the leak becomes very bad that white smoke might be visible rising from under the hood, this is actually water vapor. This can be determined by the lack of a burning smell. The leaks often aren't apparent unless you are looking at the fixture with the engine running at high RPM's. The leak may be non existent or minimal at idle.
The fix is simple and inexpensive, $15 and 15 minutes. No previous auto repair experience should be necessary. You will need the following items.
Materials:
-Y-Pipe heater fitting Murray part number 84757 or equivalent.
www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/det...
www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-84...
shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/fa...
-3/4" or larger hose clamps
-1 foot of 5/8" Heater Hose
Tools:
-Something to cut the hose with
-Screwdriver to tighten the new hose clamps
-Pliers to help remove an old clamp
Procedure: (Follow at you own rise)
1. Some coolant will be spilled, but not much. You can drain it if you wish or just put a tray under the vehicle to catch it.
2. Install the heater hose on the singular end of the new Y-pipe with a hose clamp.
3. Use pliers to loosen the hose clamp where the old Y-pipe attaches to the motor.
4. The factory Y-pipe is held on with permanent clamps. Simply cut the two rear hoses as close to the Y-pipe as you can. Within an inch or so is good.
5. Twist the old Y pipe to break the bond where it is attached to the engine fitting, pull it off.
6. Put the new Y-pipe in place, attaching the two rear hoses. If you have trouble sliding them on then moistening and/or twisting it can help.
7. Cut the new heater hose to length and slide it onto the engine fitting.
8. Secure all fittings with hose clamps. Don't overtighten.
9. Clean up any coolant to protect children, animals, and the environment.
10. Bask in the feeling of a job well done!
NOTE: Some people have reported using a T fitting instead of a Y shape. I don't know if the Y shape makes any difference or not with the smooth flow of coolant. T fittings are available in metal which can reduce the potential of cracking but also introduces the possibility of corrosion. Be sure the metal will not interact with the coolant's chemistry or with that of other metals on the vehicle.
I found this repair on the Tear it up, Fix it, Repeat blog at...
tearitupfixitrepeat.blogspot.c... - Навчання та стиль
You have no idea how helpful this video is! Thanks so much for posting it. We had the same issue this morning in Moab. After finding your video I cancelled the AAA tow, biked into town and got the parts. By 2:30pm it was fixed, we could get back on our road trip and saved us thousands. Thank you!
YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!!! This was a great fix for our Town and Country issue! I was just about to buy $50 worth of dye/glasses/lights to try and find this leak, but this detailed EXACTLY what I needed to do to fix it. You are a life saver, thanks so much for making this video!
My wife was stuck in a parking lot today with coolant spraying all over her battery. This saved me who knows how much time. Thanks for the video and for anyone else that doesn’t have an Oreilly’s near by, Advance Auto has a Chrysler heater hose repair kit #47238HP with the y fitting, 5/8 hose and 4 clamps all together.
Thank you sooo much for this video. This happened to me and thanks to you, I saved money and did it myself. You made it soo easy. I am a female and most females wont get out and mess with cars, but I did. You rock. No more leaks from the Y pipe. Yaaay!!!
Thanks a million! Had steam under the hood on the way home from work, popped the hood and coolant everywhere. This video was the first result and the parts list was spot on! Back on the road and happy!
You just saved me hundreds. I got it on and clamped, running like a champ with zero leakage. Thank you!
Thank you! This saved us what we are assuming a lot of money. $17 and an hour to do it! You sir are awesome, thank you!
Great video!!! This car is probably the most sold car in many countries. Looks like your helping out a lot of people! Great work...and your other videos are awesome!!! Great camera work as well!
Proudly assembled in Windsor, Ontario
Thank you for this video!!!! Fixed the leak and my check engine light turned off from this repair! You rule!!!
Thank you for sharing this. My wifes 08 Grand Caravan just did this today before school for the kids and I was 2 hours away at work. Researched this and found your video.
I tried to go another route because it seemed easy enough, but the oe clamps and hoses were not cooporating with me so I cut them and followed your write up. Vans back in business.
Worked like a charm!! There were a lot of idea's as to what it could be, but after discovering your video it made since. It was a cheap and easy fix. Who knows how long I would of tried hoses, radiator, thermostat, test head and head gasket, the list goes on. Thanks for the video.
This worked great for me...thanks for saving me a bundle at the auto shop!
you are the man, my exact problem on my 2010 caravan, you saved me 50.00 for the part and who knows how much for labor. great presentation. Thank you.
Thanks for making this video. Extremely helpful!! Gonna do this in the morning on my wife's minivan.
Thank you for posting this video! Just happened to my grand caravan. Helped me out a lot!
Thank so much I just did this today and I save so much money, thanks for posting.
Been smelling the antifreeze for a couple months, saw the steam from the backside of the engine, i
Figured it was a head gasket but found your video while researching, it is indead that joint, fixing this weekend.
Thanks for helping this novice out. It took me an hour and I ended up having to remove the battery . I blame my fat hands.
No way. That was so easy. I’m going to get the stuff and do this myself. My husband “fixed my car” and now this happened.
But I think it’s leaking from the pipe next to it. Ether way I’ll do this first and see. Thanks!! New subscriber! 😊
Very nice video. That part number came in handy as well. Thank you.
Thanks for this vid. Exact problem I was having on a new to me 2009 T&C, but I hadn't isolated it until I saw this vid.
You should consider a vid on how to straighten a crushed plastic bumper with a heat gun. Easy fix. Not perfect, but looks way better.
Thanks again.
I did this and it worked, thanks!
Great video. I have this same van and it is smoking from under the hood in that area. But when I stop to look I can't see where it is coming from. The only difference is that I can smell something burning, and I think it's radiator fluid. I noticed that the radiator fluid is low, but I also noticed something wet on the frame under the radiator on the passenger side. So I am not sure where the leak is. Or maybe I have two leaks? Could the problem you described in this video cause a burning smell? Thanks for your help.
Can I use a copper PEX fitting?
Nice fix!
Super helpful. Thanks!
Very good tutorial.. Thank you
Thank you so much! I have a Carmax Extended Warranty and they said they do not cover this part because they do not cover hoses. I tried to explain that this part from the dealer is way more than just a hose. The part was $110 plus another $200 in labor from the dealer. I said no thanks and I'm using this fix and using the extra $300 for my vacation! Great video and details!
Edward callicoat Here is the link to the part from Advanced Auto Parts: shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_heater-fitting-plastic-t-type-hose-splicer-factory-air_20891572-p?searchTerm=splicer
Edward callicoat Here is think link to the part on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-84757-Plastic-Splicer/dp/B000CSYSUS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434242557&sr=8-1&keywords=Murray+84757&pebp=1434242704766&perid=292EF7A4C8E9434089E9
Is the repair holding up to this day? I am about to spend my day off tomorrow doing this very repair and am just curious if it is still holding up.
What is the name of the single hose a little bit below with two hose clamp ...that what I need to re place?
Brilliant. Thank You
My van was overheating and then it shut off wound not start also it is throwing out only cold air even on the heat mode, it don't need coolant. Thinking maybe thermostat?? Please help!
good work
Super helpful thanks!!!
Further down my exhaust Manifold, there seems to be a Yellow-White-ish substance that seems to be cooked onto the Manifold, would that be a direct result of this or just regular dirt and grime. No where else on the exhaust manifold (I.e close to the front of the vehicle) it's just from the Y pipe and down.
Great video Thanks
I have an '03 V6 which doesn't have that plastic fitting, but I'm getting steam from behind the engine on the passenger side. Any ideas?
Dorman now makes replacement for this problem using aluminum fittings. Both fittings and all hoses and clamps are included. Rockauto about $60.00 delivered.
The addition of a few inches of 5/8" heater hose (as shown in this vid) basically eliminates one of the main causes of this common problem of cracking in the plastic heater hose Y on the various versions of the Chrysler Caravan. The original Y configuration tends to cause crack because of stress is caused by lack of anti-vibration and additional heat when connected directly to the exit port on the engine block. Be sure to add enough hose to dampen the stresses delivered by a moving and vibrating engine and to mitigate the effects of metal to plastic heat convection.
Ps ( As shown min the vid, but; not expounded on)
I have a 2011 Dodge Crew Grand Caravan. There are two of these Y pipes next two each other on it. The one Y pipe next to and slightly behind the one shown in the video on mine leaks. In the video, next to the Y pipe on the right side, is a straight pipe with a clamp at bottom. That one on mine is the other leaking Y pipe. When I pour water into the radiator, after about two gallons, that Y pipe starts to leak from the Y pipe itself. It must be cracked. In any case, some of you like me may find two Y pipes.
What is wrong if your still seeing coolant drenching the DRIVERS SIDE control arm, BUT only when in use does this happen. When at idle, it does not leak.
Hey bud... can you do a heater core flush and a radiator flush on the caravan? Would like to see how to do it....thanks
Would this cause smoke out the tail pipe too?
thanks really helped
I’m assuming the dodge journeys have the same problem. Coolant smell for sure burning off from exhaust there’s some splatter but can’t tell where it’s coming from.assume this is it aswell
Like a boss!
I think I'm having the same issue with my 2006 Crown Victoria, what is the name of that fitting? If I can't find it on my own I'll need to google the location
Does anyone know where it is in a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan?
Thanks a loooot!!!
Dorman 47238 kit has the y-pipe, hose, and 4 hose clamps to fix this issue.
hey mine is leaking but it's a lower hose that's black, on 99 caravan. do you have any videos on this or can you tell me how to fix it.. lady with dirty hands
It would also be good to burp the air out of the coolant lines after doing that.
Called a certified Dodge dealership and they qouted me $350 to fix. Wow!
Call Firestone I bet it's $625
This works.
Ughhhh one time I was pushing a tube on a fitting like that , I slipped and full force gouged a trench about an inch long on the side of my thumb, bone is what kept it from going deeper, now I use pliers, I got the willies watching that 😵🤯
Could you get me the right vidio ? 99 dodge caravan 3.3. Leaking antifreeeeeezzzzz.
Used these exact parts tonight. Thanks for the video. Quote I got at Firestone was over $500 including a coolant flush. How long does this tee seem to last? Wondering if I should get the aluminum one on eBay
My local garage wanted $500 also. Going to try this on my day off.
Potato king regarding Firestone. Went to local Firestone for antifreeze flush and fill with a coupon. Before they started I got an estimate of $500 plus for a list of other excuses to overcharge over the cost of changing antifreeze. This location doesn’t change the antifreeze they run it through a machine that cleans the old antifreeze and then they add chemicals to the fluid. I left Firestone and drove immediately to a neighborhood mechanic. This overcharge process seems to be prevalent at tire stores. Finding a good honest local mechanic is the only hope.
I would highly recommend buying the aluminum one and not plastic one, there are 2 splitters right next to each other, just change both at same time
I had the same problem in my 02 T&C and just replaced the broken hose, what does the smoke smell like? Mine smells like something plastic is burning and I'm afraid it's some wiring or something.
mleindek I think I have the same problem. I looked at the Y pipe and felt liquid, but I also tried to burn the liquid on a paper towel to try and replicate the smell while driving. My closest relation to the smell is while cooking puffed wheat cake with some form of syrup burning. But I could be losing my mind. Haha
Coolant has a hot maple syrup smell.
Great clear video and nicely written instructions! However, In the future, please list the year of your model of car to make it easier for viewers to determine applicability.
He said it works on 2001 til 2010 that came standard with a 3.3l or 3.5l engine. Mike is very clear on all his videos but there's always that one comment.
Hi Dosumpthin, I am thinking about purchasing a Grand Caravan. What's your opinion on their general reliability? Is this a quality vehicle? Would you recommend its competitors over it?
azaz911c I have always been skeptical of minivans in general. It seems like they are heavy things build on car chassis, or they used to be - supposedly. This 2010 caravan has been good to use though, no major issue and we're really putting the miles to it. Can't say much for other makes/models and I don't have any experience.
Out in the country...with a Chrysler for an easy fix... I thought you were going to blow it up. But this seems to work too.
I think I have an exhaust leak right there where you said the coolant drips down on I took the car to firestone and they did a compression test and they said cylinder 3 and 4 has 75 pounds less pressure and that they recommend a new engine it’s a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan sxt with 83,000 miles
Thank You very much for the tutorial video. Very helpful. God bless you, and god bless youtube.
im leaving for camping with the fam ..tomorrow, i hope this fitting is the culprit. the wife visited me at work tonite and the hood was smokin!!! smelled like coolant though.. so it must be a hose somewhere
I will do the same thing, but with a brass T Connector from the home improvement store
Does the leak keep going even the engine is not running?
xiao qu It depends on how bad the part is fractured. Mine only leaked when running.
mine too; it was upsetting to drive like that tho
This was definitely wrong with mine! Then not long after the coolant tank had a hole in it😫
That part IS NOT in my 2005 town and country
Plastic parts don't last! How many engines overheated from these leaks and destroyed engines! James
My 05 is different.
HELP!! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME A CHEAP FIX FOR A LEAKING WATER PUMP?!!?
Yes, replace the water pump and use the o-ring/gasket that comes with water pump, it is less frustrating if you use a specific water pump gasket material to adhere/“glue” to the water pump so it doesn’t move during the installation and torque all fasteners to the manufacturers recommended values. I find ALLDATA Repair directions to be invaluable.
Good video but plastic and heat (hot coolent) in time will cause some issue...plastic not rated for high temps. Will tend to erode and go into your coolent system( the radiator might clog).
You are so right. I used a metal 3/4 pex tee for 3 dollars from home depot.
There's 2 of those splitters. Best to do both.
Where is the second?
To the right of the other one. One hose is going into the dash.
Has the plastic Y held up? I have read the aftermarket Y could fail within a year. These custom TIG welded aluminum Y fittings are now being made by the aftermarket.
www.ebay.com/sch/Car-Truck-Parts-/6030/m.html?item=291369730361&ssPageName=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_ssn=newyorkbuyer
G Zuk Mine has not given any trouble yet but if it happens again I may purchase or make a fitting like you mentioned.
very helpful, great job and definitely inexpensive
Same problem on our 20014. replaced with doorman part number 626-315hp. these have metal y's. not as cheap as you fix. Cart | 0
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Your new plastic Y will split on you again. Should have went to metal for a permanent fix.
Depending on where you live and how much you drive the car, this will fail again. It has failed 3 times on me and I will have to replace it with something more robust. Plastic fitting in these kinda of hot enviroment is just wrong.
You also have to be careful when cutting these hoses as one is attached to the heater core and it's easy to crack the solder joint. That is a job on most cars that u want to avoid.
If you're concerned about the plastic, try the aluminum Y.
www.ebay.com/sch/eBay-Motors-/6000/m.html?item=301512823812&viewitem=&vxp=mtr&_ssn=newyorkbuyer
G Zuk Thanks, unfortunately we fell into a worst case scenario. I found a nylon fitting that so far has held up very well. It's made for coolant systems. It still amazes me that prestone made fitting of this type for years in flush kits and as far as I know they were reliable. Greed! nothing but greed, worse are those aftermarket companies that built replacement parts that they know will fail.
Cool but essentially elementary .
Exactly... elementary enough to motivate an inexperienced person to conduct their own repair and hopefully empower them to tacked larger jobs. When I first decided that I needed to be a DIY'er the sense of accomplishment was fantastic even on the simple tasks that I can now perform without consideration. This has affected my life in many ways. I think that many people just don't know that they are capable and sometimes a nudge to try something can unlock greater things. The dealer will tell you this heater fitting comes as an assembly with other parts for $100 and 1-2 hours of labor. Plus the inconvenience of not having your vehicle. Unfortunately many people think they have no choice but to ante up. :)
***** exactly. its ridiculous how these shops try to get over. that's a corporation for ya...
Why anyone would replace an item for more money with more labor involved than it would cost to fix it is beyond me. Nobody repairs anything anymore, its just replace. How many "mechanics" can rebuild a caliper or repair a starter? Its become a disposable world with lazy mechanics.
Seems like some people do fix these, it is not an isolated issue it seems. www.ebay.com/sch/newyorkbuyer/m.html
Great - thank you thank you - I was quoted $500 for replacement hose and flush, well video'd and explained