Piston replacement on a 97 Dodge Caravan w/ 3.0L?

Question

My 80 yr old father in law's 1997 Dodge Caravan (94k) broke a valve spring and the valve subsequently fell into the cylinder. The piston is damaged but the walls are clean. I have replaced an oil pan in this before so I know its removable. What is involved in replacing just the one damaged piston? Is it doable without pulling the motor?

Its a beautiful van with a new AC system and brakes (last summer) - but the cost the shops are quoting him is to the point he's considering junking it. Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Junk it.

Answer 2

Man, those chrysler vans are really a queen B*tch to work on. I assume this is the 3.0 V6? If the smashed piston is on the front bank, you MIGHT be able to do it in-car. If its the rear bank, forget it. You'll have to pull the motor, from UNDER the van.

Even if you do the work yourself, get ready to spend $1500-up on parts, gaskets, tools, etc. Typically when an engine drops a valve, its toast. I don't care if the walls are good. The rod or crank is bent, the head is trashed... Something expensive in that motor is ruined I'm sure.

Save your sanity and sell the van.

Answer 3

Your going to have to pull the heads of it to replace the piston.That means timing belt all the access. including the ac will have to be moved or removed form van.It a big job at the repair shop with a hoist and all the air tools. At home as an auto tech I'd think twice about doing it. Don't get me wrong it can and has been done but it tough.Plus you'll have it apart for a couple of weekends.Make sure you have the heads planed ( v6 or 4 Banger) 4 Cly much easier than the v6 Good luck Hope I helped

Answer 4

Yes, if you can get the head off easily, no problem. Drop the oil pan and take the rod cap off. Make sure you put it back on the same way. Use a ridge reamer to clean the top of the cylinder and pop the piston out, and go from there. Good luck.