1998 Dodge Caravan losing heat, anti freeze, with bad smell

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PANDORAHUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Engine Mechanical problem
1998 Dodge Caravan 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 79,000 miles
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HI, I have a 1998 dodge caravan and it is losing anti freeze however we can not find a leak. It will over heat even in the winter with the heater on and the heater will not work well or stop. There is a large amount of thick smoke that smells when starting the car and when I check the oil stick it has a white-ish sludge on it. Do you have any idea what it is or where I should start?
Also just to let you know since I have seen this posted we also have blinking lights on our dash buttons and have ever since we had our breaks fixed years ago, this might be a model issue?
Thanks for any help you have !!
Mar 6, 2008 at 7:45 AM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
White sludge, is a sign of antifreeze getting into the block...if there's a lot of it, if it's only a minute amount, you need a new PCV. Any white smoke frome the tailpipe? If yes, have a block test, and compression test done, you may have a blown head gasket, or cracked head or block!
Mar 6, 2008 at 7:57 AM
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PANDORAHUNTER
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  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the advise I have a place to start from!
Mar 12, 2008 at 7:36 AM
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