Replacing Cylinder Head Gasket - 2002 Dodge Caravan 3.3 - P1

This is the first in a series of four videos where I show the steps I took to replace the head gaskets in a 2002 Dodge Caravan with a 3.3 engine. I ended up replacing both of the heads. I tried to show all of the steps from disassembly through cleaning and reassembly.
I hope you find it helpful. If you have any questions about the steps I took you can post a comment and I will answer as soon as I can.
Here is a link to my review of K-Seal and K&W Head Gasket Repair products:
• Trying K-Seal and K&W ...
Here is a link to my in-depth review of K&W Head Gasket Repair
Part One: • Using K&W Head Gasket ...
Part Two: • Using K&W Head Gasket ...

[@lawrencedavis2089]

A picture is worth a thousand words 🤔

[@aileenwagner2576]

How about taking off the windshield wiper cowl? It gives a lot of room as i took it off mine to do rear valve cover gasket. Thank u for this video! Good job!

[@Alan_Edwards]

Probably would have been a smart move but that van is long gone so I can't confirm it. Thanks for the comment though...appreciate it !!

[@jamesvdl3583]

Nice job on the tear down of the engine. What I learned from this project is make sure you have good 6 sided sockets for rusted bolts. I made a vacuum jar to remove other fluids and used it to remove the power steering fluid from the reservoir, less mess.

[@Alan_Edwards]

Six point sockets are the only way to go for sure. I have both but rarely use the 12 point anymore. Maybe to get off a bolt or nut that is worn and between sizes. Funny when I was a kid and all you could get were 12 point. I like the vacuum jar idea. Thanks for sharing James.

[@jamesvdl3583]

I used a Mayonnaise jar and took two pieces of copper line(2" & 4") and drilled holes in the lid. Soldered them in the lid in opposite directions. Put the vacuum gun on the short one and start pumping.

[@marcsmith3881]

I pulled the heads on a 2006 Town & Country today in about 4 hours. I broke that same plastic line you did. It's not a bad job except for the exhaust. The damn lower bolt on the rear crossover pipe is unpleasant. Great video and nice job. Not crazy difficult, but not easy either.

[@marcsmith3881]

Just as a tip, it is not necessary to remove the injectors and rail to take the lower intake off unless you plan on replacing all of the orings. The big black connector on the passenger side powers the injectors, coolant temp sensor, ignition coil and map/baro sensor. All of those are disconnected anyway so you can lift the lower intake and fuel rail out together.

[@terrywashburn3852]

I'd start by removing the wiper motor housing to gain better access to rear of motor, only takes about 20 mins.

[@guyspangenberg8565]

Great videos. Just had the same issue on my 2002. Really like the references on J&M as well as replacement gaskets.

[@runningonemptyseries5830]

well done, very good information, an educator with logical work stlye, very well done

[@u.s.a.198]

Ty

[@ArnoldandSonsExteriors]

I am about to replace the head gaskets on this exact van

[@DirtyDirtbath]

I'm super surprised how different the 98 3.3l and 02 3.3l is

[@4ujkdguy]

YOU COULD HAVE TAKEN THE COWL OFF IS SO QUICK AND EASY AND WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU MUCH MORE ROOM

[@victorperez-ll4qu]

Great video, I have a cuestión, Did you put the engine on time before you disarmed everything?

[@Alan_Edwards]

There was no need to worry about timing since the timing chain/belt was still engaged with the cam and crankshaft so nothing changed in that regard. I think that is what you are asking?

[@victorperez-ll4qu]

Alan Edwards I really appreciate your help, God bless you greatly

[@indiajesuslovesyou]

Nice video! James

[@attorneymom35]

Auto GURU

[@wildestcowboy2668]

How hard was it?

[@Alan_Edwards]

Actually it was not that bad. Too be fair I have been working on cars my entire adult life, but if you have some decent skill with tools and watch a lot of videos to get the proper steps down, you should be fine. There is a lot of room too work too which helps a lot. On the other hand if you have not worked on cars, it's probably not something I would recommend taking on. Hope that helps.

[@ArnoldandSonsExteriors]

There is no cowl in this van