Caravan V6-3.3L VIN R (2003)
Fig.127
The intake system is made up of an upper and lower intake manifold. The upper intake manifold is made of a composite for both the 3.3L engine and
for the 3.8L engine (Fig. 123). The lower intake manifold is common between the two engines (Fig. 127). It also provides coolant crossover between
cylinder heads and houses the coolant thermostat (Fig. 127).
The intake manifold utilizes a compact design with very low restriction and outstanding flow balance. This design allows the engine to perform with a
wide torque curve while increasing higher rpm horsepower.
If, for some reason, the molded-in vacuum ports break, the composite manifold can be salvaged. The vacuum ports are designed to break at the
shoulder, if overloaded. Additional material in the shoulder area provides sufficient stock to repair. Also, if the special screws that attach the MAP
sensor, power steering reservoir, throttle cable bracket, and the EGR tube become stripped, an oversized screw is available to repair the stripped-out
condition.
OPERATION
The intake manifold delivers air to the combustion chambers. This air allows the fuel delivered by the fuel injectors to ignite when the spark plugs fire.
