Red fluid leaking...related to timing chain??

[Cursedbycars]

A couple of weeks ago, while having the routine oil change done on my 2000 Caravan, the service manager comes out to tell me...I've got bad news. Its always bad news! Anyway, he says the timing chain has to be replaced and quoted me like $900...says it HAS to get done. Of course it does.

Since I don't have $900 laying around, it hasn't been fixed yet, but plan to do it this coming week. This morning I noticed a puddle of red fluid towards the right front of the vehicle. My question is...is this MORE bad news? Or related to the bad news I have already received?

My original understanding was that the timing chain was related to the cooling system? Is that wrong?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Cursedbycars

A couple of weeks ago, while having the routine oil change done on my 2000 Caravan, the service manager comes out to tell me...I've got bad news. Its always bad news! Anyway, he says the timing chain has to be replaced and quoted me like $900...says it HAS to get done. Of course it does.

Since I don't have $900 laying around, it hasn't been fixed yet, but plan to do it this coming week. This morning I noticed a puddle of red fluid towards the right front of the vehicle. My question is...is this MORE bad news? Or related to the bad news I have already received?

My original understanding was that the timing chain was related to the cooling system? Is that wrong?

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Which engine?

IS it coolant or power steering fluid??

Whats the reason for the timing chain needing to be replaced?????????

[Cursedbycars]

Which engine? I'm not certain.

Which kind of fluid is it? I have no idea, thats why I'm asking. From the reading I've done, I guess it could be brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, or power steering fluid. I was just hoping that issues with the timing chain could result in leaking fluid and that the fluid would be red.

Apparently the timing chain needs to be replaced because its fairly worn or something. I don't know. Its all greek to me. If I knew these things, I probably wouldn't need assistance from people that do.

I apologize for the vagueness of my question.

[jpb53]

If your engine is a 3.3 or 3.8 if it has a timing chain. It is possible it is leaking coolant which can be a red; pink colored fluid. The water pump is bolted into the chain cover. The chains and gears usally last a long time on these engines and don't usually need to be replaced unless you have a lot of miles on the van. If you park in a garage or on a driveway try rinsing the red fluid away with water.If it mixes and can be rinsed away it is coolant. If not it could be trans fluid or power steering fluid.

[tempfixit]

Originally Posted by Cursedbycars

Which engine? I'm not certain.

Which kind of fluid is it? I have no idea, thats why I'm asking. From the reading I've done, I guess it could be brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, or power steering fluid. I was just hoping that issues with the timing chain could result in leaking fluid and that the fluid would be red.

Apparently the timing chain needs to be replaced because its fairly worn or something. I don't know. Its all greek to me. If I knew these things, I probably wouldn't need assistance from people that do.

I apologize for the vagueness of my question.

There should be someplace under the hood in the engine compartment that would indicate which engine it is, should say 2.4L, 3.0L, 3.3L or 3.8L. Is it a 4 clyinder or 6 clyinder engine.

Check what kind of fluid it is by texture and smell, coolant will have a sweet smell to it. I am not sure but I think the 2000 has the OAT coolant in it which is pink looking.

I would speak with your dealer service manager and find out exactly what is the problem with the timing chain before replacing. Post back what he has for a explanation. Just trying to help you make sure the repairs are necessary. I have not of timing chains needing to be changed very often. Could be that chain has stretched and worn on the timing chain cover which you should be hearing unusual noises.

Yes the power steering pump is on the passenger side of vehicle.

[RIP]

Timing chains (TC) are designed to last the life of the van. You'll find little on this or other forums on the subject because of it. That said, anything made by man can wear and break. Not sure about these engines but, many engines are designed so that when the TC or it's sprokets get too slack it will strike a bracket (for lack of a better term) and emitt a noise. Are you hearing anything?

Can anyone expand on this TC noise feature?

Your mechanics train of thought may be; the TC cover gasket is leaking so because we have to remove the cover anyway we might as well change the TC. That could make some sense if you have at least 100K miles on the van. In any case, if they can prove to you it has to be done shop around for the best price. I would expect to pay at least $500 though.

Timing chains sychronize the openning and closing of the intake and exhaust valves and piston movement with ignition spark from the spark plugs. Here's more on it: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/engine4.htm