2003 Dodge Caravan 3.3 plugs and valve cover gasket change

Here is a video that shows the easy way to do valve cover gaskets and plugs on a 2003 Dodge Caravan.
UPDATE: Sorry for the video missing some things, if I knew it would get this many views, I would have done a much better job on production.

[@dogbite21]

What a great tip, I can't believe how much room this opens up. I used this trick to replace the power steering pump, last time I did one from underneath and it was a nightmare. THANK YOU!

[@cdrmuetzel]

OUTSTANDING. followed your lead on my 2002, no problem. didn't have to remove the power steering hose, was able to move it out of the way. guy at the parts store was amazed i didn't have to remove the plenum, so you saved me ten bucks there. the mechanic who quoted JUST the valve cover gaskets at $85 for parts (actual cost, $43) and 3 hours labor at $120 an hour WON'T be getting any more of my business.

[@jeffcluett8006]

If there was an Oscar for useful KZbin video, this one should at least get a nomination. I would have sweat bullets trying to access those back 3 plugs if I hadn't seen this clip. I wouldn't have thought to take the wiper mechanism off. Nuthin' to it! It made the changing the plugs a relatively painless task. Thx!!!!

[@mb4lunch]

Thanks for the wiper removal idea! I never thought of that! I've even removed the top of the intake to gain access to the plugs before! Sweeeeet!

[@lanemeyer1948]

Awesome video!!! Never, ever would have thought of taking off the wiper assembly. Saved me hours, replacing O2 sensor, plugs, gasket. Your Awesome Man!!!

[@Donal591]

The same two plugs were loose on my 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan also. The gap on all the plugs was also enormous. Looked to be about 1/8 inch, but I did not measure. The "blade " part of the plug looked really worn and thin. Mileage was 182,000. I just bought it. Thanks a bunch for the video.

[@bly4233]

Plugs have a 30,000 mile replacement interval. Copper Champions from factory. The gap is huge due to neglect.

[@cyberdrew7]

You're welcome :) I am not great at making videos but I was surprised at how easy this job was. I am glad this video can help somebody.

[@davecooper360]

Just letting you know that so much of your advice in this video was helpful to me. I did this job the other day on my '01 Town & Country.. and I bought a new PVC valve and a puller.. and followed pretty much the same procedure as you did. I still had a hard time with that back valve cover cause of the bolts under the intake manifold were hard to see and get at... universal joint socket helped a lot. But I got it done. Thanks again! Cheers!

[@ddstsm]

Thanks so much for posting this! I have a leaking rear valve cover, so watching this will make my job so much easier!

[@albertfaustino193]

Best video. I would have never imagined removing wipers. GENNIOUS!!!!

[@cyberdrew7]

Thanks! If I knew the video was going to become this popular I wish I did a MUCH better job in filming and shown more detail.

[@albertfaustino193]

It was perfect. You saved me 3-4 hours on those back screws.

[@christina7063]

I agree!!! I would of never thought of that ether lol thanks for making this vid it helped out a lot!!! Keep making more vids, I could always use another point of view.

[@norapeluso3648]

everything on mine is backwards in comparison to what you have shown (canadian made). the info. you have given here is most helpful and should make my chore alot easier

[@MrSamhc]

Thanks Andrew for the tip on removing the wiper motor housing, I have done these before (the hard way) but just done an 2003 3.3L and used your tip. I knocked it out in 4 hours .... really neat. Thanks Sam

[@EvalConservative]

Thank you for the video! I just got an 02 Caravan with super leaky valve cover gaskets. I spent way too long trying to figure out how to get those back 2 hidden bolts. I watched a few videos and no one addressed it! After lots swearing and a few tears I finally realized with lots of light shining into the bay you can see them from the sides. I pointed my 500w halogen shop light down into the that space above the back valve cover. Then if you look through the side of the intake you can see the bolts. This works for both sides. Look through the driver's side for the driver's side hidden bolt and the passenger's side of the intake for the passenger's side bolt. Just like in the front you have to use a swivel joint on those back 2 because of the angle. I hope this helps someone!

[@vinyljunkie70]

Thank you for this post drew, it was most helpful!!! I'm English guy with a Canadian girlfriend, who owns a Dodge Caravan 2003. I haven't been in Canada for long, and I wasn't sure how to get to the rear spark plugs, just knew If I could, I could save us some real money doing the change myself...THANK YOU VERY MUCH FRIEND!!! :D

[@practicumlori]

Thank you Andrew--I'm going to tackle this project this weekend and your advice is much appreciated.

[@jh8338]

No need to remove the front bolts from the 'hanging brackets' of the wiper cowling assembly, just take off the back ones, then lift the entire assembly out, after removing the wiper arms and top cover piece, of course. Can have it completely removed in under five minutes. 2005 Grand Caravan, 120K, also loose spark plugs in the front with enormous gap, replaced all six with OEM plugs, starts up much quicker now. Also did the radiator, water pump, upper and lower hoses, thermostat, plug wires, tensioner, idler pulley, alternator, side door lock motor, rear hatch motor and lift supports, harmonic balancer, sway bar bushings, drivers window regulator assembly, brake pads. Good for another 100K at least. Love this design, easy easy easy to work on.

[@brockmorash3812]

this video is less of a "how to" and more of a "here's what it looks like after you perform each task"

[@Bobman84]

Thank you so much. Fantastic video and I'm about to do the same thing tomorrow. Thanks from Australia.

[@TheGaginator]

great video, and great idea removing the wiper cowl

[@nathanhess3905]

Your video and tips were a great help. Thank you

[@cyberdrew7]

Thanks!

[@paulneubeck7909]

Ditto on the gennious! Thank you so much!!!!!!

[@joevignolor4u949]

I just replaced the valve seals in a 2003 Caravan. It's basically similar to this job. It's definitely a good idea to remove the wiper cowl, which was actually designed to be easily removable to allow access to the back of the engine. It's standard design practice for minivans as even my Ford Windstar has the same thing. A large mirror is helpful seeing in back, especially when you are trying to clean the mating surface on the head. Also, you probably will end up spilling a lot of the power steering fluid when you disconnect the large hose. I did. It will get onto the exhaust so the vehicle will smoke and smell for a while after the repair. Also, be sure to cover the inlet to the power steering pump with aluminum foil so no dirt gets in there. The plug gaps on the old plugs were wide like that because of wear. Every time a cylinder fires a little bit of metal on the two electrodes gets blown off and eventually it all adds up.

[@ButtMasterOO]

huh... same exact thing on my 2001 town and country 3.3 with 100 miles on it. the first front plugs seemed loose and the spark plug gaps looked just as huge... mostly at 0.90... interestingly the van ran just fine like that, very quiet and great acceleration still, did not misfire or anything. anyway.. since i was there to replace the upstream o2 sensor because of a code, i just replaced all the original old wires with new ones and the plugs as well with new ngk g platinum. thanks for the great video.

[@stomper12000]

Ron West says it's an ordeal for some. Yep, it is because some are not agile enough to reach in and around the intake plenum. It's way easier if you can move all the easy stuff ( air cleaner, throttle body, wiper system). Some guys just have big hands/arms, but it is possible, but guaranteed fix if you disassemble things the way the pros do it. If you need to get to the valve covers to change the gasket, may as well change out the PCV Valve/hose while you're at it because it's as hard as plastic. Take the time to get all that stuff out of the way so you can see better what you're doing. It's not that difficult. I ain't no pro, but learned from lots of experience.

[@artb1161]

best i,ve seen so far.

[@losipoop]

PVC valve hahaha. thanks for making the video. doing this soon! it helped a lot!

[@ctomaro68]

Hi, Thanks for this video. A garage wanted about $600 to change the plugs and wire... What a rip-off. I would have never thought to remove the wiper assembly to remove spark-plugs. Thanks

[@f3arful]

You don't need to remove the wiper assembly to do spark plugs? I didn't remove a single thing. Use a ratchet with an extendable handle for slight more leverage depending if their seized in or not and use the appropriate extension. Its tight but definitely wouldn't remove the assembly to do plugs sounds very silly and some people clearly don't know what their doing.

[@kikelira6220]

GRACIAS POR SU VIDEO, ES DE GRAN AYUDA PARA MI. ESPECIALMENTE PARA SABER LA UBICACION DE LAS MANGUERAS Y LOS CABLES DE LOS ARNES. VERY GOOD VIDEO

[@ronwest7930]

Its the best vehicle ive ever owned. I did replace the power steering reservoir. About a half hour job. That little screen gets plugged up inside.

[@justinbecker3340]

Removing the wiper assembly is the ONLY way to go. Once removed, this is too easy. I did my first set of plugs on my 03 T&C at 120K. That was a bit late but it is was, seemingly, running strong. Once changed, BOOYAH, a nice improvement in power and fuel economy. I just changed again at 195K and it feels and runs super. I have the 3.3. Original everything except the alternator. What a great vehicle. My wife can't wait for me to get rid of it. As if......

[@fordwindsor351]

The wiper assembly does not need to come out to do a plug/wire change. Shops just do this for charging more money, I hae read the mitchell book.

[@chris6200]

fordwindsor351 it makes it so much easier espwcialy if you're doing lots of work back there

[@GerryJ08]

What did you use to get your engine so clean. Awesome!!

[@RRaucina]

Dont need to remove anything for the plugs, done many working by feel. I would take off the wipers for the O2 sensor, but still never the valve cover.

[@ArtBorquez-ij3kd]

It would have been nice to actually see the removal process of the back valve cover.

[@cyberdrew7]

The plugs were about $2 a piece. I used O'Reilly engine cleaner and just pressure washed the heck out of it. Thanks :)

[@08monkey100]

Great video thanks!!! I like the way you explain,i wonder if you have a video of how to replace the lower and upper intake manifold gaskets for an 05 chrysler town country thanks again!!!

[@roaddogct]

Like the video and apprecitate that yoy did so. I wish you had shown the removal of the cowl and the rear valve cover. What tools you used. Thanks again. I am going to attempt this, wish me luck!!

[@ronwest7930]

Im thinking of replacing my spark plugs. It seems like it could be done by feel with a small extension. Most people mention loosening the motor mount and tipping the motor. But ill keep your method in mind. My van is an 03 and its great.

[@f3arful]

Don't remove anything proper ratchet with proper extension is all you need i never touched a single thing and got the job done efficiently.

[@ronwest7930]

@@f3arful I ended up using my hands to start the plugs and then used a ratchet. I'm not sure why others felt the need to take things apart or tilt the engine.

[@Mr84tigers]

Andrew i was amazed to find you working on the same year Caravan im working on, but i don't see how you unbolted the valve covers and how to put the grummets back on . I wish i could have seen at least one valve cover being unbolted and replaced nice video anyways.

[@johnbudge399]

Have you tried re-tightening the valve cover bolts before going to the expense of changing the gaskets. They do shrink over time and cause leaks?

[@GerryJ08]

Decent video. I'm about to embark on the same task on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Questions: Did you use any gasket sealant or just cleaned off the engine mounting surface and placed the gasket on that? Also what did you use to wash your engine?. It looks pretty close to factory. I've never "washed" my vans engine and I'm interested in how you did that. Did you take to a "you do it" car wash or in your driveway? What product did you use? Thanks You've made my favorite list.

[@MikeDiesell]

True but I think the purpose of the video was that it made the installation easier.

[@bly4233]

There is a 30,000 mile change interval on the factory copper Champion plugs. Huge gap due to wear from neglect.

[@GerryJ08]

Pretty decent video. I've got a friend who has a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3 litre and needs to replace the valve cover gaskets. I have a 3.3 2005 D.G.C. Your video helps me choose how best to do the job. Were the plugs expensive? Thanks

[@SpanishFly75]

Hi, I've searched various sites, like O'Reilly, PepBoys, AutoZone, etc., looking for the replacement gaskets. But all of them show a picture where the part looks different. The 8 rings are a little on the outside of the body, rather than on the middle like on your video. Is it a "photo may vary" issue?

[@cyberdrew7]

+SpanishFly75 I believe so

[@ryanspeer2457]

Hi Could you see the straight hose that goes into the waterpump when you removed the assembly with the wipers? thanks for any insight

[@nonus38]

how did you remove the two forwar center screws on the rear valve cover that are beneath the engine? I can't seem to get the right angle to get those out.

[@davecooper360]

Great video! I need to do this job on my 2001 town & country. You mentioned they're a little bit different. .. but is.it basically the same procedure?

[@cyberdrew7]

davecooper360 It should be.

[@ronwest7930]

My plug change, I just reached over the engine and changed the plugs, theres a slot by the power steering reservoir to reach through. the ones on the front were easy. Took me about half an hour. Im not sure why its an ordeal for most.

[@cyberdrew7]

Sorry I have not replied to comments, I do not monitor my KZbin very much. Best wait to get a hold of me would be through private message. Thank you for the positive feedback on the video. Basically all I wanted to illustrate is that the wiper assembly is not that difficult to remove and gives you a ton more working area around the engine.

[@bootsamick]

what torque spec did you use for tighening the valve covers bolts? Thanks so much

[@cyberdrew7]

+Ryan Amick I didn't use one, I just tightened them a half turn past snug

[@Penchant4Chaos]

So is there any sealant you used or is the gasket supposed to be enough to prevent leaks?

[@angeloyourreflection9331]

Can you please make a video on how to diagnose and repair codes: P0442 & P0455?

[@jh8338]

Change your gas cap.

[@1-bubble-gum-channel23]

Did you replaced the one on the back?

[@ryanspeer2457]

its a 5 inch heater hose if that helps

[@colbyscheer4839]

Cyberdrew...thank you so much for your video. I am attempting the same thing on my 2002 3.8 caravan. Did you find it difficult to remove the gasket screws on the back valve cover? Especially the two screws you can't really see on the back. Perhaps you just feel your way to them? Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!

[@EvalConservative]

I'm sure you got this figured out by now since you posted this 4 years ago lol. I just got an 02 Caravan with super leaky valve cover gaskets. I spent way too long trying to figure out how to get those back 2 hidden bolts. I watched a few videos and no one addressed it! After lots swearing and a few tears I finally realized with lots of light shining into the bay you can see them from the sides. I pointed my 500w halogen shop light down into the that space above the back valve cover. Then if you look through the side of the intake you can see the bolts. This works for both sides. Look through the driver's side for the driver's side hidden bolt and the passenger's side of the intake for the passenger's side bolt. Just like in the front you have to use a swivel joint on those back 2 because of the angle. I hope this helps someone!

[@dannyshomepainting]

Need to show us how to replace a thermastat

[@nadmeldev]

Good video. Of course you meant the PCV valves, right?

[@RobertPerrigoOkiechopper]

Interesting........

[@scottieparkhurst9962]

after you got the gasket changed, how are they working for you? I need to change mine but need advice on the best brand of a gasket

[@scottieparkhurst9962]

+cyberdrew7

[@cyberdrew7]

+Scottie Parkhurst Sorry for the late reply, they have not leaked yet.

[@scottieparkhurst9962]

+cyberdrew7 Ok awesome I have a 03 grand caravan sport and I know they need to be changed, as far as I know they never have been

[@davidh1168]

after replacing distributor cap & rotor on a 2010 dodge caravan 3.3 with ecofuel, do i have to mess with the timing? HELP

[@cyberdrew7]

No, you shouldn't have to.

[@joevignolor4u949]

A Dodge 3.3 engine doesn't have a distributor cap and rotor. It uses a coil pack, which receives timed pulsed inputs from the engine controller. The engine controller controls the timing.

[@davidh1168]

Joe Vignolo

[@davidh1168]

thanks for that input

[@1980bamaman]

How did you do a powerwash?

[@cyberdrew7]

+1980bamaman I sprayed the engine down with Gunk engine brite (not foamy) and then just powerwashed it. Make sure engine is cool first, never powerwash a hot engine.

[@beardedjalapeno5263]

cyberdrew7 ....too late

[@shehzadatif1]

I think its called PCV not PVC valve..

[@red2965]

he probally had a swivel adapter. Just guessing

[@johnsmith-xw4ez]

3,301cc

[@robertolsen632]

I got a van 2003 dodge caravan it got no spark to it

[@thetruthseeker5096]

This video could’ve been better. He should of time lapse, taking off the parts.

[@ghalebjoudeh4813]

this is the bad car in the world due to electrical problem spark plugs difficult to change power steering pump change radiator ............finally shit cars like this