In this video I show the complete process of how I went about replacing a lower intake gasket on a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country with a 3.8L to seal up a big coolant leak for a customer.
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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.

49 thoughts on “Lower intake manifold coolant leak – caravan , town country”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nikolaos Karaiskos says:

    You are an awesome mechanic! Thank you for sharing!

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Doran says:

    Hi Eric l have a 2010 town and country 3.8 I have oil getting into my overflow jug but I don't see coolant in my oil I do have a small leak of coolant coming from the intake if I change the intake gasket will that fix both problems or what should I look for as far as oil in my coolant it's not overheating I just happened to check my coolant overflow jug and seen the oil

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Farmer says:

    I sometimes lose the practice of common sense when I'm rushing or in panic mode

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rod Marin says:

    Always great videos, amazingly you always manage to keep your cool. I'm hooked.. ๐Ÿ˜œ

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Gould says:

    You have to blow suck squeeze and bang to fix em too.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Gould says:

    I don't even check them anymore unless the customer really wants to and I say" it may break."

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Caleb Armstrong says:

    Awesome video just did it and the valve cover gaskets u nailed it on the tutorial

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Basil Bannister says:

    like your videos detailed

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eddie & Nashira Williams says:

    Just wondering what air ratchet are you using?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carl Will says:

    I think this is the problem I'm having with my grandson's car because there is no antifreeze in the Overflow yes you did a nice job

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Heid says:

    Is there any water in the oil pan

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Doyle says:

    I think guys like Troy that help, are cool. It takes time to make a video. It's great that Troy helped.

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

    Great repair Eric O as Always @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

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

    What a massive Leak @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Artemio Panganiban says:

    I'm here in Philippines with 2005 DODGE grand caravan sxt, can I ask for which of the brand and model of vehicle's parts that fit to 2005 Dodge grand caravan? Do you any idea of book guide for parts references fit to my 2005 Dodge, can you help me to have it online? Thanks to your help.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Sanders says:

    I always use silicone around water jackets

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

    Back in the old days an air ratchet came in one size….they've sure changed over the years.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Glen Hill says:

    I like your videos. it better then TV stuff. LOL

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars northwind says:

    Another great video, even if it's from a few years back. This is probably the third or fourth time I've watched one of your videos the night before a repair to be sure I'm approaching it correctly and there are no gotchas. Tomorrow it's this and the leaking rear valve cover gasket on the wife's 2009 T&C.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bigbore57 says:

    Excellent video. We've got the exact same leak in the exact same spot on our 3.8L 2009 Chrysler Town & Country. I may need to come and see you.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Grissom says:

    The 60 deg V looks very narrow when you are used to seeing 90 deg V-8 engines (and Chrysler Magnum V-6). So narrow that you can't get the roller lifters out thru the valley, but rather must remove the heads. I'm lucky so far w/ 280K miles on our 2002 T&C 3.8L and no coolant leaks in the engine. I did change the coolant O-rings at the front when I had the timing cover off to change the timing set (thought prudent, chain wasn't very worn, but did have a strange slight oil leak at the top I thought coming from the cover). I changed all the 5/8" hoses to silicone, including the rear heat and got rid of the plastic fittings which can crack. Our engine doesn't have EGR, just block-off plates, since "trucks" are allowed to pollute more. Perhaps they lowered the emission limits by 2008. I noticed you mis-spoke, saying "creeping up on the 200 ft-lbf" when you meant "in-lbf". I don't think I even have a torque wrench which goes to 200 ft-lbf.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chad Martin says:

    You know you get a feel for how tight you can tighten a bolt if you do it long enough. I bet my brother one time when It was time to torque. I bet him I can get with in 5 lbs of spec without a torque wrench. All of them was the same and I was with in 2 lbs. Yep I checked. Funny still driving that truck 10 yrs later. Online mechanics

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony thompson says:

    Ultra blue or black it will never leak again that I promise but its hell taking back apart but it dam won't leak

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ez-G says:

    How much did you charge the customer?

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patricia Miller says:

    btw 3m is in my state of Minnesota

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patricia Miller says:

    i have to have this done on my 2005.. now I know why its expensive.. thinking I hope the mechanic that replaces my gaskets does this same thing

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keith howells says:

    I totally agree with you on the tightening theory. After countless years at a dealership torquing things down your muscle memory starts to cut it. The new torque measurement is the "that'll do" setting. Never had an intake manifold come back…ever.
    Same thing goes for all bolts, even the caliper one's. One grunt is it! Happy days Eric, love your video's.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Burn Notice says:

    I have a 2002 Mazd MPV. The vehicle was running good like new. I took it in for routine maintenance. Oil change and new spark plugs. The intake manifold had to be pulled to replace the rear spark plugs. Ever since then it idles rough. Flooring the gas pedal it starts off slow, then picks up. Any input would be appreciated. I guess the intake manifold wasn't properly reinstalled.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob Dlp says:

    If there is coolant in a spark plug hole on a 5.7 hemi could it be the intake manifold gasket?

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr T says:

    Anyone who has the simplest to most difficult service done at South Main Auto. Can be sure no shop could have done a better job. This man is thorough. too bad nobody like him near me.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Groel says:

    Good job thank you for sharing ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿบ

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fanta Red says:

    Pleased as punch about receiving a gift, and a useful one at that. He even said Thanks 3 times. Nice guyโ€ฆ

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MeMakeSparks says:

    Woo Hoo! An hour video! I'm set for a while!!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars nick beaman says:

    Another possible leak area is at the y-pipe the splits the coolant to thr rear heater/ac. They leak on a trans electrical connector and cause issues.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Burn Notice says:

    I have a brake caliper hanger set left behind on my car after servicing the wheel bearings. I would return them. But I had the repair done on the road. Over a 100 miles back before I noticed it hanging off the strut.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MattTZew says:

    if you can do it, i can do it

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars the dubs says:

    8 min in and my first video and I can tell u know your shit. I haven't wrenched in about 10yrs and I need to fix the GF'S van and needed a refresher lol

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Carlin Martin says:

    Whatโ€™s air ratchet are you using. Looks tough

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gm l says:

    Is battery disconnected?

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric H says:

    Just had this repair done on my 2007 dodge grand caravan. Along with a radiator replacement (it was for sure another leak, and the only leak I knew of before the repair). I had never seen this repair done before, ty for showing me :-). I now understand why it was nearly 1100 dollars. for both RR

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Johnson says:

    Torque specs I believe is only done when it comes to a new car or engine, cars and engines with ALOT of miles require you to use common sense in your strength ๐Ÿ’ช ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Chahal says:

    Are those smaller passages coolant passages? And is it ok to spray carb clean in there like he was doing? Just curious

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Scott says:

    Very well said about tongue down the manifold. I done a few myself. Nice job Eric.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Up2NoGood says:

    That intake gasket has a rubber coating on them….I just did one. Must be what seals it…

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Conan Harris says:

    I was wondering if the 3.3 is a better engine?

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Al Montgomery says:

    I guess you could say he's a good mechanic but he likes to go through people's personal stuff in their vehicle not very trustworthy

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephen Mcgraw says:

    Hi Eric my the people that give you a thumbs down I think there idiots there just jealous

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars L O says:

    This made it finally possible to locate the source of our coolant smell (and leak) possible. Great video – helped me fix my own 2009 T&C. Thank You!

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ian McCarthy says:

    Did one of these yesterday, forgot what the torque specs were and whatnot. Good paying job. Thanks Erico:)

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