Come along with Eric O. at the SMA repair shop as he swaps out the 3.8 liter engine in this high mileage 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that has a P0303 Misfire and has started to burn coolant. I am going to break this up in a multi part series to help keep the videos shorter.
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--Eric O.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

50 thoughts on “Dodge grand caravan 3.8 – engine replacement – part 4”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Bonnette says:

    Advance is more expensive than the others anyway. I go to O Reilly

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Diesel Doll says:

    I used to work at advance and you’re 100% spot on 😭😭😭

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Williams says:

    At Rock Auto in Madison Wisconsin have great deals as well. Fast shipping too, when you buy a part they usually send you the other things you need for the job as well. Like maybe a gasket or something!
    I have a 2003 T & C and I believe that mine is pretty much same as this van

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charlie Fox says:

    I realize that I'm a few years late at commenting on you rant. Knock your self out, I enjoy it. I'm am a shade tree mechanic and a home DYIer. I went to a big box store looking for an electrical part and to ask a question. I asked the big box guy an electrical question and the answer didn't seem right to me. I asked are you sure? Yes, I am! Then I asked, are you a certified electrician? His answer was, if I was, do you think I'd be work here? Thanks for you help, bye.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    Armchair mechanics don't know that time = $…..and this aint a showcar.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    You can polish a turd its still a turd but now it's just a Shiny Turd 🤣 Eric O @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Going back together pretty smooth Just zooming along lots of progress now it will be running and humming Soon nice work as always Eric O @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Man the Junkyard did a huge number On that oil pan glad it didn't damage the oil pickup Tube Looking good with the new pan Eric O @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Beardy Face says:

    Problems like that waterpump gasket I used to make them when I was in that sort of bind, most places here carry various weights of gasket material, & I've used cornflakes box in a pinch.. that last actually works remarkably well on waterpumps.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Randy Meyer says:

    When you tightened that first bolt on the flex plate, I was wondering..???….AND I too, have calibrated hands for torque, after breaking a lot of bolts, when younger..

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Robison says:

    I would piss and moan too if I were you brother. ADVANCE SUCKS!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Tate says:

    I do not blame you on your RANT on Advanced Auto!! I hear you!! Thanks for the vids an comentation!! Lol

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul ellis says:

    if you had to work off jack stands big job

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars A NNYER says:

    I do not know how parts stores stay in business. Between the pricing, and and not having items on the shelf so you have to order it anyway, you are better off buying online. Rockauto and ebay for me! Ebay will do tax free as well if you fax through you resale certificate. Rockauto probably as well.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen says:

    I had a friend whose job was to clean alternators, starter motors, or anything else the owner was going to charge the customer for "replacing" [not].

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raymond Jr. says:

    The biggest problem with all these parts stores, most of the time is not the people it's the management team and their lack of training. Their number one priority is to sell those shop towels and overpriced crappy windshield wipers.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lewis Lakner says:

    He's not doing a restoration folks hes replacing an engine on whatever it may be that costs money I can't even believe someone would say that I say chip foose

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zr1sparky1 says:

    Smart kids

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars zr1sparky1 says:

    Yes, yes you need to raise your price

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Carson says:

    I've had good luck with Advance Auto,but a friend of mine works there.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Black3ternity says:

    Old video – but I have to say that.
    Making jokes and laughing at your shop?
    Sheesh I think they wouldn't be able to walk out of my shop because I would stuff em in an oilpan.
    I'm working in IT and one thing I hate is snobby bosses / customers / partners that look down on you but can't even comprehend what you do.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Shopper says:

    I think the argument for the mechanic not cleaning every part before he puts it back on the car is that he makes X amount of dollars per hour for his knowledge of mechanics. You wouldn't want to pay anyone X dollars per hour to pressure wash something that doesn't need it. That's like paying a corporate accountant his hourly rate to check your 2nd graders math homework.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sue & ED Duffy says:

    Someday we hope you'll tell us how you really feel about AA?

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars nonya biz says:

    We all have horror stories from advanced auto. Back in the old days you had to earn a job in order for the old timers to teach you. Now just act like a girly man and you get the job. That and claim any of the 1000 genders or pronouns and you good.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lawrence Lamson says:

    Demand O'Reilly and AutoZone to come to your area

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Onno Inada says:

    I had a half year ford exploder, and needed a lower radiator hose. I had the old part in my hand, went into advanced, and asked for one for a 98. Part looked nothing like mine.

    "That's not the part I need, this for a 5.0?"
    "Yup, 1998 5.0 AWD"
    "Hey could you grab one for a 99? Maybe I have a half year."
    "But you have a 98, a part from a 99 won't fit…"
    "But you brought me the part for a 98 and it obviously doesn't even look like it. Mine is probably a later 98 and uses the parts of a 99."
    "There's no such thing, a part for a 99 won't work"
    Look down at the mismatched parts
    "So you won't check?"
    "No."
    "Hokay then…"

    Went to the O'Reilly down the road, asked for a 99 lower rad hose, got the right part. Smug advanced bastard probably still thinks he was right.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jack raintree says:

    Advanced auto " not a sponsor"

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jack raintree says:

    I found when I go to O'Rileys you have to get the parts twice once for the parts they think will fir and the second time to get the right part

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    Jersey customer hahaha. I wanna know where he is i am literally 5 hours away from south main auto. In jersey.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    I love the advance auto rant. I got a serp belt for my car days ago from autozone and the belt is 5 inches shorter than what I need. Took it back and they insured me it’s the correct one. Bs. Advance autos are around the same mm range also. Gotta order online now

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Smith says:

    I still remember the Advance guy who tried to sell me the thermostat without the gasket, and then tried to sell me the gasket.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bob Smith says:

    Why did the Advance Auto counter monkey have to give you the wrong water pump gasket before he could figure out that he didn't have the right gasket?

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Braun Howitzer says:

    Am in the middle of replacing the same engine on the same generation van. The water pump issue you had to deal with saved me.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Al Lipscomb says:

    About the third video I have seen where someone got an oil pan trashed by a forklift at the salvage yard.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Hardy says:

    What did you do to repair the broken windshield washer injector nozzle? And what did the wrecker crew say about the damaged oil pan? Did they give you a credit on the original price….or maybe just a free windshield squirter off a wrecked caravan? Very nice job pulling the engine from the top……seemed like a lot less work than lowering all the undercarriage. Maybe just camera noise, but it sounded like a valve lifter ticking during idle. Are they hydraulic in that caravan? Dr. K.
    .

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SC Flooring says:

    “They have one guy that knows the difference between ash tray and fuel injector!!” I almost fell out of my chair LMAO!! Thanks Eric I needed that!!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SC Flooring says:

    Great mini series keep them coming!!

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Fernando Giron Lopez says:

    you talk a lot and you do less

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean Demello says:

    I have a 2012 ford edge with brAke problems,. Not hydraulic pump, not calipers or pads or rotors.. brakes are soft,. Any ideas. Your help is great ply appreciated.sean

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ExtremeRecluse says:

    Nothing protects the oil pan so they get toasted often. Mine has been struck multiple times.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Tuggle says:

    i had same problem with napa when i was in bussiness

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Brueno says:

    could you have used two maybe three thin WP gaskets? i know you don't to increase the gap in the WP impeller to block….

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Izzy Dizzy says:

    Been following your channel for a couple of years and recently found this engine swap video. I'm retired out of the trade and I hope the salvage yard credits you for the damaged parts you had to replace. They really should, especially if they want you to order parts from them again. Good job Eric O!

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bobby witcher says:

    However said clean every piece they never have done any auto repair for profit, and it sounds like you need to hire some workers

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Vastine says:

    The local independent parts guy in our town is a board line genius. Import or domestic he can get what you need and is correct all the time. Pay a few pennies more but worth it. Shop local.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craig Emery says:

    I feel your pain in regards to dealing with Advance. I work for Carquest and have to deal with them on a regular basis. I wish we were completely separate companies like before they bought CQ. All CQ's as far as I know are privately owned traditional part stores. We hate that some people think we are just like Advance when we(most of us) actually know what we are doing. They just throw anyone on their counters and make us all look like idiots. For the most parts only the managers know what they are doing. It's too bad you don't have a Carquest near you…..at least you have a Napa though I worked for them a long time.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dale Kaskey says:

    "You can polish a turd, but it's still a turd." Classic.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matthew Sweet says:

    If you think Advance sucks, you should try PepBoys! They make Advance look like NASA!

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike says:

    Freakin salesman thats all he was, nothing against salesmen , we all have to make a living, but their are too many bad ones

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dj Parsons says:

    I am so happy someone else has issues with pricing and part issues with advanced auto and autozone for that matter and omg DONT get me started with Doorman

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