Rusting lower radiator hard pipe

[hungaryhyena]

I just replaced my 2001 GC oil pan gasket and while I was down under I noticed the lower radiator hard pipe is rusting (the pipe right next to the oil pan - One end looks to be connected to the water pump and the other end to a rubber hosing connected to the radiator on the bottom).

Any of you guys / gals have this problem. Wanting to take van on a long trip and wonder if it is a good idea to replace before going (don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere).

Anyone know how to replace?

What part number is this piece?

Thanks

[mfahey]

I haven't noticed it on mine but I'll definitely check, especially considering that the rear heater lines rusted out due to dissimilar metals between the line and the support bracket.

[Rick99]

Mine was also rusting-- I scraped it off, used some rust converter and black engine paint to stop it.

[vipergg]

You should feel lucky I already had that replaced on our 2004 .

[Rick99]

Yeah, I noticed it at the same time I was checking the lines that go to the rear heater core after reading all the posts about those. The corrosion on those (rear) lines was worse and I've painted them as well-- hopefully that will delay any problems for a while. Anyone with one of these vans should look over those pipes and use rust converter and paint on any bad spots as PM. It just takes a few minutes and could save some serious expense and headaches.

[hungaryhyena]

Anyone know how hard it is to replace this pipe?

I think you can buy this part as autozone for like 15-20 dollars.

Thanks

[jmcxcsp]

The pipes to my rear heater rusted out and all I did was cut the pipe and install a new piece of 5/8 rubber hose and some hose clamps. solved the problem for a couple of bucks. My pipe next to the oil pan has been rusting for about 4 years and I have had no leaks but as suggested in aprevious post a little rust preventer will go a long way. I will be changing that pipe very soon to avoid being stranded.

[hungaryhyena]

Anyone know how to replace?

What part number is this piece?

Thanks

Can anyone answer?

Looking to do this before winter comes in.

[hungaryhyena]

Anyone?

Thinking of sawing off top part of pipe (where it is not rusting) and running a hose from that to the radiator = no more rust to worry about :rck:

Will let you all know how it turns out, if anyone cares :bawl:

[Rick99]

I'm always interested in seeing creative repairs, so post some pics up if you do it. Sorry I can't detail the procedure to replace the pipe any more than a manual could since I've never had to do it.

If it were me though, I'd probably replace the pipe, since a pipe was probably used for a reason. Just speculating, bu it could be that a hose of the length required and bent as required would tend to collapse under the suction of the pump.

[login]

Very simple repair.............

Most of the issues with the pipe is the corrosion where the mounting bracket is welded to the pipe.

Just remove the passenger tire and rubber engine sheild to gain access.

There is an o-ring on the end of the pipe that slides into the engine (make sure it is clean and lubricated when insert along with the port. Vasaline will do) and the other end attaches to the cooling hose. One bolt at the bracket.

If you see the corrosion already,,, change it. I bet you can take a screw driver and chip away at the corrosion as some of the paint is hiding the extent of the said corrosion.

Sorry. I do not have a part number for you.
Note: There are 2 types....... one for some 3.8's and one for the 3.3.. The 3.3
is just a two ended pipe while the other has a hose connection in the middle. I used the one with the connection nce but had to plug it off with a hose and plug...

The pipes to my rear heater rusted out and all I did was cut the pipe and install a new piece of 5/8 rubber hose and some hose clamps. solved the problem for a couple of bucks

This is also an issue on the caravans till 2004 because as some mentioned below they had disimular metals. Chrysler changed the bracket assembly to all Aluminum. The problem usually is under the van, right under the passenger seat wherre the mounting bracket is. Take a look for corrosion and if so do as stated above and cut out bad section and use coling hose and some gear clamps.

Hope this helps... :D

[91AWD3.3]

I'm always interested in seeing creative repairs, so post some pics up if you do it. Sorry I can't detail the procedure to replace the pipe any more than a manual could since I've never had to do it.

If it were me though, I'd probably replace the pipe, since a pipe was probably used for a reason. Just speculating, bu it could be that a hose of the length required and bent as required would tend to collapse under the suction of the pump.

Wondered myself why the hard pipe was used & figured maybe cos it ran by hot engine parts, like say manifolds..

Suppose suction/collapse may come into it.

What about just using a substitute pipe, maybe copper or those plastic household water pipes? Must be some suitable alternative piping out there.

Dunno for sure but thought I saw the original piping on ebay fairly cheap but maybe a PIA to change out..

[Rick99]

I'd be careful about using alternative metals like copper. You can turn your cooling system into a battery and ramp up corrosion-- I'd go with a length of radiator hose to fill the corroded gap before doing that. Plastic pipe may work, but may also break catastrophically if you hit something. Probably best to just buy the right part and be done with it.

[91AWD3.3]

I'll have to look at mine. Had a glance at the one that goes aside the engine to the heater core & looked pretty ugly, prob original.

EDIT - I think on the 91/3.3, there is no hard tube to the rad by the oil pan. A rubber heater hose goes from the water pump to a hard tube at the back of the engine that then goes rubber to the heater core.