1998 Dodge Caravan Possible blown head gasket?

JLAWLESS1

MEMBER
1998 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

I was driving to work when all of a sudden, I was leaving a smoke screen behind my van that smelled like oil. Got out and all oil had leaked out. Re-filled with oil, started it up and immediately all oil drained out onto ground from somewhere near front of engine. Can't tell exactly where. Jus changed oil and filter the day b4. No leaks at filter or pan. Somewhere above pan on front of engine. Can someone help me out with this?

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I have seen oil pans with rust holes, even oil filters with the same look at both, DO NOT drive!

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Thursday, February 14th, 2008 AT 11:07 AM

JLAWLESS1

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5 POSTS

I had just changed the oil the day before and no problems with pan. New oil filter installed. Oil leaked out from front of engine compartment above the oil pan. That's all I can tell from underneath.

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Thursday, February 14th, 2008 AT 11:11 AM

JLAWLESS1

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5 POSTS

Just changed oil and filter day b4. No problems with pan. Oil leaked out from front of engine above pan. That's all I can see?

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Thursday, February 14th, 2008 AT 11:13 AM

MERLIN2021

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I will need the engine size, but check the oil pressure switch on the front of the engine.

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Thursday, February 14th, 2008 AT 11:27 AM

MERLIN2021

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From: jlawless1
To: merlin2021
Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008 12:29 pm
Subject: 1998 Caravan
3.0L V6. When I filled it back up with oil and started it. It drained out 4 quarts of oil onto the ground within 8 seconds.
I think if it leaks this bad, you should be able to tell where it's comming from, is it the top? Middle? Bottom? Side? We need to narrow it down a bit. But it sounds like a cam or crank seal at this point. The other possibilty is an oil cooler line, if you have one.