Dodge Repair: 90 Dodge Caravan, dodge dynasty, dodge caravan

Question
Hi! I'm afraid I just got ripped off. I bought a 1990 Dodge Caravan out of the paper. It said "runs great". He told me that he just put in a rebuilt '92 engine in it and a new battery and the only thing wrong at the moment was that the idle sensor(and he showed me where it was)  needed replacing which was supposedly what made it stall at red lights and such. He told me it was a $26 part. Ok, no problem. All seemed right and I bought it and registered it yesterday. My brother went to the auto part store and they checked the idle sensor and said it was fine and that it was this other sensor which was right above it that was the problem. He bought it and changed it. Now the van won't stay running at all with it plugged in, blows black smoke while it runs WITHOUT it plugged in, and still stalls. And NOW, it's pouring oil to top it all off! My brother says it looks like it might be from the rear main seal. He's a good backyard mechanic but isn't any good with the electrical stuff in these vehicles..........Have any ideas? I'd appreciate any help you can give me!........Kelly

Answer
Whoa... I hope you didn't pay too much for that van, really. The models between 1990 and 1992 are noted for major electrical problems. As far as the oil leak, that would be a rear main seal for sure. I just scrapped one with a bad seal, and just to forwarn you- They have a model A604 Electronic Overdrive transmission, and these are NOTED for trouble past 100,000 miles! I've owned 4 Chrysler's with these trans's, they're junk unless they were just rebuilt. Another thing- If you have the 3 Liter engine, they're noted for rear main seals and bearings going bad. They tend to burn a little oil at high mileage too, I currently own a 1989 Dodge Dynasty LE with the 3.0 and it burns about a quart every 3 months or so. Hope this info helps. By the way, you did get ripped off, sorry to say.