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#1
07-09-2007, 07:00 AM
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97 caravan 3.3l oil light
The oil light on my van came on while my wife was driving and eventually the engine stopped. I was able to get it started after a tow, but it really sounded rough. I pulled the oil pan and found the pickup tube completely clogged with sludge and shiny new metal flakes. I presume the flakes are cylinder walls and rings, but could they be from the oil pump? I plan to drive with the new clanging in the engine for as long as possible. It doesn't smoke yet. Can anyone recommend a cylinder restorer oil additive? Which oil will be the best for the damaged engine? Which filter? Should I increase the frequency of oil changes? Any advice on how to get a few more miles out of this engine will be appreciated.
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#2
07-09-2007, 07:53 AM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
Might as well drive it directly to the junk yard.
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#3
07-09-2007, 01:06 PM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
If you want to keep the van you'll at least need a rebuilt engine. If you don't have any choice but to keep it going I would change the oil and put synthetic oil in it. It is the best lubricant you can use.
Something I've done in the past that's a bit unorthodox. My 87 Camry was showing metal chips in the oil 3 years ago. Did this to flush it. It's still running great. Drain the oil. Leave the drain plug off. Flush the engine using 1 or 2 gallons of paint thinner. Just pour it in the oil fill port as fast as it will take it. This will flush any crud and particles from most, not all, areas of the engine. Now reinstall the drain plug and fill it with the cheapest oil you can find. Let it run 5 to 10 minutes then drain it again. This gets whatever paint thinner is still in the engine out. Now refill it with that synthetic oil. Eventually, you'll have to change the engine. Just hope it doesn't break down in the middle of no where.
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**We took the time to answer your post. Please give us some time and post the fix. It will help hundreds. **Follow prescribed safety practices before attempting any procedures. Doubts? Consult a maintenance manual. 07 Fusion / 06 RAV4 / 06 Accord / 96 Gr Caravan
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#4
07-09-2007, 02:08 PM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
Why waste money putting synthtic oil in a damaged engine ?
Clanging noise is bad, probably a broken rod. If the van is in good condition otherwise, it may be economical to put a rebuilt engine in it. If it is beat up, get rid of it, no use putting other drivers at risk if it decides to blow up in the middle of a busy highway. Doubt it would get past an inspection.
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#5
07-09-2007, 05:02 PM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
As I said Berny, "If you don't have any choice but to keep it going".
__________________
**We took the time to answer your post. Please give us some time and post the fix. It will help hundreds. **Follow prescribed safety practices before attempting any procedures. Doubts? Consult a maintenance manual. 07 Fusion / 06 RAV4 / 06 Accord / 96 Gr Caravan
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#7
07-10-2007, 08:37 AM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
Please define your definition of cheap.
You should have no problem getting a good used motor from a scrap yard, the 3.3 and 3.8 motor is very durable with very few problems. Most problems are transmission related and neglect. If you want to move up a level of cheapness, then a rebuilt from Jasper with a warranty is next. http://www.jasperengines.com/
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#8
07-12-2007, 09:26 PM
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Re: 97 caravan 3.3l oil light
If she drove it with no oil pressure until it locked up, it probably has bad rod and main bearings now also. That may have been some of the shiny metal you saw.
Block and heads may be damaged and it would be more money to rebuild it than it would be to find a good used one or find a place that sells cheap rebuilt engines.
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