3.3L Exhaust Manifold Gasket

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Don - 07 Dec 2006 16:48 GMT

I'm replacing a bad head gasket(s) on my Grand Caravan 3.3L. When I
removed the front exhaust manifold during the initial process, I
noticed no gasket. Doesn't the factory use gaskets on the exhaust
manifold to head junctions? This was a surprise. All after-market
head gasket sets, such as FelPro, include exhaust manifold gaskets.

I've noted all the discussions on the 3.3L being a robust engine from a
head gasket point-of-view, but I know of a number of people with blown
gaskets on 3.3L engines. It seems always to be in the same place too,
on the transaxle-side of #5 and #6. In fact, in my case, coolant was
streaming out on the rear side of #6. The head gasket had separated
near one of the coolant galley cut-outs.

Coolant in the engine has been regularly changed every 24K/24months
with quality coolant and distilled water. But, the engine has 160K, so
I guess I shouldn't be shocked.

Reply to this Message

maxpower - 07 Dec 2006 19:58 GMT

> I'm replacing a bad head gasket(s) on my Grand Caravan 3.3L. When I
> removed the front exhaust manifold during the initial process, I
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> with quality coolant and distilled water. But, the engine has 160K, so
> I guess I shouldn't be shocked.

There are no exhaust manifold gaskets used on this engine and don't install
them if you get them

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech

Reply to this Message

Don - 07 Dec 2006 22:42 GMT

Glenn,

Thanks, I thought this must be the case. One quick question if I may:
the leaking head gasket was the front bank of cylinders. I've always
thought it best to change both head gaskets when you've torn everything
down. But, the rear head looks a "bit difficult," as I don't know if
the rear-most head bolts can be reach from the top side. Having worked
as a salesperson at a Dodge/Jeep dealer, I seem to remember our techs
working on these from underneath on a lift. Thanks again for the
input.

Don

> > I'm replacing a bad head gasket(s) on my Grand Caravan 3.3L. When I
> > removed the front exhaust manifold during the initial process, I
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
> Glenn Beasley
> Chrysler Tech

Reply to this Message

maxpower - 07 Dec 2006 23:04 GMT

> Glenn,
>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> > Glenn Beasley
> > Chrysler Tech

Absolutely replace both at the same time. The other one will more then
likely go out very quick. Once you separate the manifolds at the crossover
pipe all you need to do is leave the convertor attached to the rear
manifold......just remove the manifold from the head and push it back
towards the firewall and you have access to the head bolts. It really isn't
that hard of a job.

Glenn

Reply to this Message