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I have a few questions about my van. It is a 2001 Dodge Caravan SE 3.3L. 159k miles.
First question: Would an exhaust leak around the manifold cause a miss? I can see the exhaust through the heat shield when I pop the hood. I think it might be a cracked header or flange gasket thats gone dead.
Second Question: If there is crack in the header. Would it be possible to fix with like something like quiksteel or high temp epoxy (I have looked around and cant find a header)
Third Question: On occasion especially after its rained or its been humid the van refuses to start on the first try. The fuel pump engages and but the starter wont engage. however most of the time it will engage when I try to start it again. Is this a Dead starter or one that is about to go dead? or is another issue?
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Question 1. I’ve known of cases where a leak in the exhaust caused the O2 sensor to give a false reading. This could cause a miss.
Question 2. Maybe it can be welded. Welding cast iron is a special skill. You’d need to find someone experienced.
Question 3. Starters are down where it is wet on most cars and it doesn’t seem to matter. I’d suspect something in the wiring going to the starter. That or corroded terminals at the battery.
There is no corrosion on the battery terminals. I’ll have to check the wiring going to the starter. I dont know anyone who can weld cast iron sadly so I was asking sans replacing the thing is there any other options?
I’ve mentioned the only viable option I know of, and its not very viable. There’s a good chance that even if welding was successful the manifold could warp still making it junk. Exhaust manifold just get too hot for sealants that work on other parts of the engine to last.
I suggest you hope it turns out to be a gasket.
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