2000 Dodge Caravan Replacing rear coolant lines

2000 DODGE CARAVAN
Avatar
MADBOBJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Engine Cooling problem
2000 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 105k miles

The rear coolant lines have rusted beyond repair and need to be replaced. I have removed the cowl cover and the wiper housing, disconnected all lines and removed the nuts securing it to the firewall and undercarriage. i cant seem to wiggle it out by way of the catalytic converter under the vehicle. does it come out from the top by removing the alternator and the bracket or does the catalytic converter have to be removed to get it out.[img:bb05793a19]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/549044_caravan_001_1.jpg[/img:bb05793a19]
Jul 11, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JALOPYPAPA
  • MEMBER
  • 467 POSTS
THis is to the rear-seat heater, right? It would be far too much trouble to remove either the catalytic converter or the alternator. When I replaced mine, I just sawed it off and replaced it with heater hose, since replacing the pipes OEM cost over $100, which is too much for a couple of steel pipes. Just make sure the hose is well attached to the undercarriage and maybe protected with insulating foam from rubbing against it.
Jul 12, 2010 at 3:19 PM
Avatar
MADBOBJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The coolant lines were too badly rusted to do any sort of quick fix. i was able too remove the coolant lines by removing the heat shield between the catalytic converter and the undercarriage and that gave me enouph room and with a little gentle persuation they slid down and out thru the bottom. The replacement lines cost about 85.00 and included all the hoses and clamps needed for reinstall
HINT: remove new hoses off of new lines before sliding up and into place. it wont fit with them on
Jul 13, 2010 at 8:10 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
JALOPYPAPA
  • MEMBER
  • 467 POSTS
Glad it worked out. Mine were still OK forward of the cat, so that's where I sawed them off.
Jul 14, 2010 at 8:07 AM