Engine

2005 DODGE CARAVAN
99,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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TATINA1
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2005 dodge caravan 99,000 miles. The van has been making a ticking noise for a couple of weeks. Was about to take it in and the noise stopped. On the interstate it broke down. Got it towed and the water pump plus serpentine belt was broke. Got those fixed and the check engine light came on. Diagnostics was done, compression was down in 3 and 4. Shop said needs another engine $3700. To rebuild it would cost more than that. What causes the compression to go down? Do I need to have it towed for a second opinion?
Aug 23, 2011 at 8:39 AM
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RASMATAZ
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Its probably just a blown headgasket-Get a 2nd opinion somewhere else-compression to go down-could be rings/valves and cylinder wear/tear
Aug 23, 2011 at 9:30 AM
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CARADIODOC
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I would. The engine should still run. A cylinder leakage test will identify why the compression is low, if it really is. Causes include leaking exhaust valve, leaking intake valve, leaking head gasket, and worn piston rings. None of those require a new engine or a total rebuild. The first two don't include very much more labor than replacing head gaskets, which is common on many brands of engines.
Aug 23, 2011 at 9:34 AM
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TATINA1
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Thanks for the replys! The engine does still run. The dealership said it was just not driveable. They did the diagnostic test and said low compression. When I asked what caused the low compression. They told me could be piston rings or the cylinders were out of round. My brother in law(works on his cars, not a mechanic) said it really did not make sense to him. That if the water pump made the engine mess up, then it would have blown a head. Not rings and cylinders.
Aug 23, 2011 at 10:00 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Things often get confused between the mechanic who understands cars, the service adviser who doesn't understand cars but has to interpret the findings to you, and you. The 3.3L engine has been very reliable. Replacing the water pump is a very easy operation, and unless the engine was severely overheated, it shouldn't cause other problems, especially a compression problem.
Aug 23, 2011 at 10:19 AM
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