97 3.0 problems

Well this isn't really my vehicle its my moms, but I'm the one that has to work on it. This van only has 79000 miles but it already has had some problems like water pump and fuel pump go out. And recently it has been leaking oil but the the other day there was just a big puddle of oil under the van. So I bought some stuff from STP that helps stop leaks and it seems to have worked since leakage is very minimal now. I haven't been able to find the leak and was wondering if anyone could help me find it? There seems to be oil on the rear exhaust manifold if that helps. Also what other problems should I expect to go wrong with it? The horn on the van also doesn't work. Its missing the horn relay, I tried using the headlight relay since they're the same but horn still doesn't work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Sometimes additives can create more problems then they fix. Only use them as a last resort.

First thing I would try for your oil leak is change the PCV valve. Why? If it's stuck closed crankcase fumes and pressures build up to the point it releaves itself at the weakest point which would be a seal. They are cheap. Change it.
Next, sounds like the rear valve cover seal is shot since it's right above the rear exhaust manifold. To confirm it I would clean the oil off then put a dye in the oil and trace the leak with a black light.

The horn? Check for 12 volts DC at the horns under the hood. Zero volts? Probably have a bad horn switch in the steering column. 12 volts? You need new horns.

I believe your engine uses a timing belt. At 79K miles you need to start thinking about getting it changed. If it breaks you may need to buy a new engine.

I just recently changed the pcv valve about two weeks ago when I did an oil change to it. I used valvoline10w30 for vehicles over 75000 miles. Would the valve cover be easy to change? Where exaclty would the horns be located? Changing the timing belt seems a bit difficult I didn't know it was required to be changed out, about how much could I expect to pay for labor?

The valve cover > Here's what the good book says you need to remove to get to it: the wiper housing, alternator, ignition coil pack, air intake planum

The horns > They are in front of the left wheel behind the bumper. I should have added it's not likely both went bad at the same time but, I saw it happen once.

Timing belt > I've changed several on transverse mounted engines in cars. Changing the belt on these vans looks like more of a challenge because of lack of access. Costs $2-300 on a car. I'm guessing $250-350 on a minivan.

More timing belt info:

The bad news - you are 19,000 miles past the recommended time change interval.
The good news - if the TB breaks, not gauranteed but, you won't need a new engine. The 3.0 is termed a "non-interference or freewheeling" engine. You won't, however move an inch from wherever you are when it breaks without a tow truck. Read up on it here: http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=TBR05.pdf&folder=brochure Scroll to the bottom for an explanation.

The valve cover > Here's what the good book says you need to remove to get to it: the wiper housing, alternator, ignition coil pack, air intake planum

Timing belt > I've changed several on transverse mounted engines in cars. Changing the belt on these vans looks like more of a challenge because of lack of access. Costs $2-300 on a car. I'm guessing $250-350 on a minivan.

I recently replaced the valve cover gaskets @ 100K miles on my '95 3L Voyager. I had to remove the serpentine belt, the alternator and bracket, and the air filter canister to access the rear bank.

I had a shop replace the timing belt and water pump @ 85K for the tune of :slap: $750. I'll be doing the next belt, pump, and gaskets myself @ 150K, even if I have to block out an entire weekend (or week) to get it done.

The 3.0 is termed a "non-interference or freewheeling" engine. Read up on it here: http://www.gates.com/downloads/download_common.cfm?file=TBR05.pdf&folder=brochure Scroll to the bottom for an explanation.

Thanks for the info, RIP. I've had the same Gates pdf one my system for a year and didn't realize the * footnote at the bottom was for interference. :icon16: