major 3 liter oil leak

[Steward]

I have a major oil leak (2 qts. in 30 miles) on a 97 caravan, 3 liter, coming from the aft valve cover, pass. side, area....just replaced the valve cover gaskets....still leaks...I can't pinpoint the leak due to brackets....I will try to replace PVC valve....any other ideas ??? Thank you, Steward

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Steward

I have a major oil leak (2 qts. in 30 miles) on a 97 caravan, 3 liter, coming from the aft valve cover, pass. side, area....just replaced the valve cover gaskets....still leaks...I can't pinpoint the leak due to brackets....I will try to replace PVC valve....any other ideas ??? Thank you, Steward

Check the PCV hose and also the 3.0 has rear camshaft seals are known to leak. Check this thread out it may be helpful to you:

http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/sho...=3.0+oil+leaks

Check this site it may also give you some info on the front and rear camshaft oil seals:

http://www.autozone.com/shopping/rep...00c1528003c3bd

Hope this helps

[Steward]

Thanks Tempfixit.....pcv hose is good...new pcv valve....still leaks the same stream of oil....even pulled valve covers off again to make sure they were right.....it must be the Cam seals (front of engine) so I guess I do Timing belt, Water pump, Cam seals.....hope I see where the oil has been "pouring" out when I pull the T cover....Thanks for the Autozone site reference...I can use all the help I can get....Steward

[tempfixit]

Also go to the Online Service Manual thread and look up your vehicle it may information that the autozone site does not. You may want to start a new thread asking about cam seal replacement I am sure some one has done it that can help with tips.

Also go to this forum on chrysler-dodge-plymouth minivans and post your problem. You will need to sign up but is also free. Lots of good helpful people there too:
http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/

Do a search on both site to see if there is any info that would be helpful.

[Steward]

just to update on my oil leak problem.....it appears to be that the pcv valve was plugged (replaced that), and when my son and I went to replace the cam seal (in the area of the leak) we found that the seal had been pushed out, we think as a result of internal engine pressure....soooo keep those pcv valves clean or replace them....I guess.....Steward

[vipergg]

Yup the pcv valve can blow out the cam seals specially in cold weather . you can tell if you have a problem or not , just pull that rubber hose that goes to the air box and that will be filled with white sludge if the pcv valve isn't working , it will literally close that hose off . Consider yourself lucky I had to have those seals done twice in the years I owned a 96 Voyager. Aside from the seals I really liked that engine , it was smooth and got decent mileage (26 mpg) highway even hooked to just a 3 speed auto which I also loved .that was bulletproof.

[Steward]

Vipergg....I hope I don't have to do that repair again.....Don't like those "sideways" engines.....in this case a little preventive maintenence ($3.00 PCV Valve) would have saved me all that work...I'm checking all the PCV valves on all of my vehicles.....Steward