99 voyager issues

• Forum Listing
• Advanced Search
• Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums
• Kawasaki Touring and Sport Touring

Problems with my Voyager XII

• Add to quote

I have an 86 Voyager XII. 11,000 miles. Last time I had it out I noticed that it had very poor pick up when I twisted the throtle. I also noticed that that when i let off the throtle it takes a while to drop the rpms back down and decelerate. I just had the carbs rebuilt a little while ago. Any suggestions would be helpfull. Also I need to find a good Kawi mech in the Ventura CA area. The last one I had it to put the manifolds on backwards. I fixed that issue and since have had the throtle issue. Intakes are good and dont leak.  

What do the sparkplugs look like? Black is too rich,White too lean, and light tan just about right. A hang up when the throttle is released can be two things; a vacuum leak(white sparkplugs) or a binding/sticky throttle cable.  

Hi, I've got a 94 with the same issues, no power below 3000 rpm and the motor takes 5 seconds or so to go from 4000 rpm to idle (800 rpm). I noticed that if I remove the vacuum line from the "Igniter" or solid state igniton, the throttle response becomes normal. Still no power below 3000 though. I have heard that the early Voyagers had a troublesome igniter that was replaced in later years. It seems the troublesome one had a metal case, and the improved one has a plastic case. I am a newbie also, so check these facts. The replacement igniter is 400 dollars new. I am still working it. Please let me know if you come up with anything. I have read that incorrect ignition timing will result in poor throttle response, dso everything is pointing in that direction. thanks.kat.  

check with abbikeboard and American Voyager Association. for all things Voyager. These boards are devoted to the Voyager.  

RoadRunner322 said: check with abbikeboard and American Voyager Association. for all things Voyager. These boards are devoted to the Voyager. Click to expand...

The throttle return issue may be a bad cable routing or cable adjustments. Release one of the locknuts on the cable adjustment under the throttle twist grip on the right handle bar.. Then adjust the large , long nut so you have some slack in the cable... A little at a time and try the return.. it should snap back. Poor low response below 3K and you are still on the pilot circuit. There are many things you can do, BUT your best bet is to send the carbs to Carl Leo or Steve In Fl (both on the AVA board or the abbikeboard and have them looked over and here is the difference.. test ridden. We have a ride to Ripley TN in October (2nd week) to go see Carl who is the Guru for all that is Voyager.. Friday and Sat are sit back and tell stories days, sunday onwards is the fix bike time by appointment.. Find us on AB Bike Board Pete  

• ?            
• 134K members

Top Contributors this Month

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser .

99 Voyager Electrical Problems, Please Help

Discussion in 'Voyager' started by bryan, Jan 6, 2006 .

bryan Guest

Hi, I've just picked up a 99 Voyager 2.5 Diesel, and I have discovered the following problems. The Radio is totally dead, tried the fuse in the fuse box under the dash but that seems fine, any other fuses / breakers that may affect the radio? Also, and more importantly with the ingnition off, none of the electrical items work, including interior lights, & the central locking, meaning I can't easily open the car. I have noticed a problem with the ignition in that I can remove the key, no matter what position it's in, including with the engine running, might the ingition switch be my problem here, or could it be something else. Third problem, one of the folding mirrors does not fold, it makes all the right noises but no movement, doesn't look to have been hit, is it easy to inspect the linkages inside the mirror? That's it for now, thanks in advance. Bryan  

maxpower Guest

Hi, I've just picked up a 99 Voyager 2.5 Diesel, and I have discovered the following problems. The Radio is totally dead, tried the fuse in the fuse box under the dash but that seems fine, any other fuses / breakers that may affect the radio? Also, and more importantly with the ingnition off, none of the electrical items work, including interior lights, & the central locking, meaning I can't easily open the car. I have noticed a problem with the ignition in that I can remove the key, no matter what position it's in, including with the engine running, might the ingition switch be my problem here, or could it be something else. Third problem, one of the folding mirrors does not fold, it makes all the right noises but no movement, doesn't look to have been hit, is it easy to inspect the linkages inside the mirror? That's it for now, thanks in advance. Bryan Click to expand...

wonecold1 Guest

Have you checked the relays and fuses under the hood right next to battery. Here's a trick, on the relays since you can't look a them to see if they are any good. Most of the relays (ABS,HORN, and so on). You can switch them around to see if it's any good or not. Make sure you don't get too mixed up doing this. Good Luck!  

Glenn, Top man, many thanks, all is now well in Voyagerland.  

Glenn, Top man, many thanks, all is now well in Voyagerland. Click to expand...

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

Big problems with 89 voyager - please help, 89 chrysler voyager, smec gurus please help, 1994 intrepid electrical-help please., please please help front wheel bearing, 1993 grand voyager help please, 1999 dodge b1500 van electrical problems help :), 2002 voyager washer jets - please help, please help chrysler grand voyager.

• Search titles only

Separate names with a comma.

• Search this thread only
• Display results as threads

Useful Searches

• Recent Posts

Press enter to search.

• Browse Categories

1999 Plymouth Voyager

• Plymouth Voyager Car and Truck
• Plymouth Car and Truck
• Cars & Trucks

Ask a Question

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Share by Email

Related Topics:

• Plymouth Voyager
• Plymouth Cars & Trucks
• turn key car doesnt noise
• turn key ignition clicking...
• View All »
• getting starter engage...
• turn key car continues crank
• starter engaging flywheel...
• loud clicking noise engine...
• car doesnt start clicking...
• clicking noise trying starting...
• View Less »

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

99 voyager starting problems

I have a 99 voyager and for the past month been having starting problems. sometimes it starts the first try other times i need to turn key a few times to get it to start. engine doesnt crank, only hear one loud click, turn the key again and it starts up.saw thinking it was the starter but now im not so sure . yesterday when i started car it started up the first try but i heard a strange noise so i shut the car off. the strange noise went away but the car continued to run for a few seconds after turning ignition off. now im starting to think that it is the ignition switch.any ideas on what the problem could be?

• Want Answer 0 Clicking this will make more experts see the question and we will remind you when it gets answered.
• Print this page
• Share this page
• 2 more comments  

so now Im thinking that it could be the ignition lock cylinder. just started van and it started with the first try. out of couriosity i tried to remove the key from the ignition while the car was running and it came most of the way out. could an ignition lock cylinder be causing these problems? so now Im thinking that it could be the ignition lock cylinder. just started van and it started with the first try. out of couriosity i tried to remove the key from the ignition while the car was running and it came most of the way out. could an ignition lock cylinder be causing these problems?

YES. Ignition Lock Cylinder is bad at this point, but it wouldn't hurt to have the switch tested. YES. Ignition Lock Cylinder is bad at this point, but it wouldn't hurt to have the switch tested.

Thanks for the advise. I just went out and messed with it a bit more. noticed that the steering wheel needs to be touned an excessive amount to get the steering wheel to lock. once it locked i had trouble turning the key and removing the key. I had to jiggle the key to remove it. Thanks for the advise. I just went out and messed with it a bit more. noticed that the steering wheel needs to be touned an excessive amount to get the steering wheel to lock. once it locked i had trouble turning the key and removing the key. I had to jiggle the key to remove it.

started the car again but something different happoned this time. the car started just fine but the radio and wipers did not work so i shut off car and restarted it and everything started working again started the car again but something different happoned this time. the car started just fine but the radio and wipers did not work so i shut off car and restarted it and everything started working again

• Video Images

Michael Blackwell

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

An expert that got 5 achievements.

An expert that has 1 follower.

A rookie expert who has answered 20 questions on their first day.

• Expert 69 Answers
• Posted on Nov 05, 2013

Your ignition switch is going bad. The strange noise is the starter remaining engaged and locked to the flywheel. Your best bet is to have the starter tested at your local auto parts store, to deduce that it is not, in fact, your starter.

• Not Helpful
• Add a Comment

5 Related Answers

Big poppa marv.

• 302 Answers
• Posted on Dec 07, 2008

SOURCE: won't start

Check your alternator, it may have gone bad and its draining your battery.

• 112 Answers
• Posted on Nov 08, 2009

SOURCE: My 1998 Grand Voyager has had a problem ever since

Sounds like the ignition switched circuits are not always powering up. I suspect the ignition switch itself, however, it could be relays in the system. I would start by measuring the voltage drop across the ignition switch, if more than 10% anywhere I would replace the igintion switch (under dash).

• 784 Answers
• Posted on Dec 01, 2009

SOURCE: clicking noise when car starts

The clicking noise is from the solenoid. If the battery is weak, then there is not enough current to make the starter turn. Therefore it is not necessary the starter is a problem. One of my experience is that the contact inside the solenoid can be rusty, corroded so there is not enough current flowing to the starter to make it work. The easy way to find out is to charge up the battery, or to have a jump start to see if the starter turns. If it turns then the problem with the battery. If with a new battery and still needing a jump start then the problem is the solenoid contacts, hence the solenoid needs to be replaced.

• 3489 Answers
• Posted on Mar 19, 2010

SOURCE: Let's see if there is really a diagnostic expert

The way to approach this sreies of issues is to first remove the remote start/alarm from the equation and restore the vans electrical system back to original. From there, if it persists, we can do more trouble shooting. Let me know and I can walk you through the process. This is definately a problem that does require a diagnostician. Thank you for the level of detail you provided!

Testimonial: " Thanks for your advice. It'e been two weeks since I acted on your recommendation and so far, no recurring problems. "

cheap repair

• 1565 Answers
• Posted on Dec 15, 2011

SOURCE: when attempting to start my 97 voyager! The dash board lights come on but does not start until after several tries it starts

a simple test is to use a mutimeter or cheap 12V test light. ground one lead and use the other to probe the small wire going to the starter. have someone turn the key to start. the light should come on-indicating 12V. If it does then the ignition switch is working OK. The starter is getting a "signal" to start. This means the starter or its connections are bad. If no power is getting to the small wire on the starter when cranking then the electrical to the ignition is suspect, this would include wire, conectors, relays and switch. Start all checks with a good battery and clean tight connections.

Add Your Answer

Tips for a great answer:

• - Answer the question.
• - If you need clarification, ask it in the comment box above.
• - Better answers use proper spelling and grammar.
• - Provide details, support with references or personal experience.

      Upload an image from your computer

Draw a box over the problem!!

Attachments: Added items

Uploading: 0 %

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

Related Questions:

97 voyager running turned off no start week later started then died months latter started with starting fluid ran for a day now no start, 1998 plymouth voyager , transmission will not shift past second gear,, for the past few months the "check engine" light, my 1990 plymouth voyager will not start at times, other times it starts just fine, i have replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter but that has not helped , we have taken it to the plymouth dealer in two..., 2002 camaro intermittent no-start, 1997 ford taurus have to give it gas to start it, starting problem on 99 9-3 ... battery good, no fuse problem, no clicking sound from ignition, no turnover at all. sometimes starts sometimes doesnt for past 2 days... trying to have a clue before taking..., blower selector switch problem, 96 voyager stalls won't turn over after some time it goes, 1999 plymouth voyager signal lights, not finding what you are looking for.

View Most Popular

1999 Voyager

Related Question

1997 Plymouth Voyager

Related Topics

• Plymouth Voyager Parts
• 1999 Voyager starter
• 1999 Plymouth Voyager Problems
• 99 plymouth voyager ignition...
• 99 plymouth voyager starting...
• bad flywheel noise
• starter doesnt engage
• strange facts
• locked keys 99 plymouth...
• went start car heard loud
• strange shift key
• start 99 plymouth voyager key
• belt 1999 plymouth voyager
• problems plymouth voyager
• 99 plymouth voyager starter...
• starter 99 voyager
• hear loud clicking noise start

Usually answered in minutes!

Popular Questions

The power steering pump bolts all seem to have.

1994 Plymouth Voyager

Radiator fan comes on but turns slow

1990 Plymouth Voyager

The steering wheel adjustment lever

Entire instrument cluster in my 97 plymouth voyager not working.

Check Out the Latest Top Trucks Report!

View all Fixya Reports

Top Plymouth Experts

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins

15088 Answers

19187 Answers

Are you a Plymouth Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Have a manual for 1999 Plymouth Voyager?

Or just drag it here!

Step 2: Please assign your manual to a product:

Kawasaki Vulcan Problems: 6 Known Issues (Explained)

Don’t let the 649 cc engine fool you. The Vulcan S model from Kawasaki packs a considerable punch.

With a history dating back to the ’80s, the Kawasaki Vulcan models have undergone performance upgrades that make them a big player in the cruiser market.

Other than the Vulcan S, Kawasaki has great models in the Vulcan range. Vulcans are available from the Vulcan 900 Classic all the way to the 1700 Vulcan Classic Voyager.

Kawasaki has made sure to make a mark in the motorcycling industry because these are genuinely great bikes.

Looking at the Vulcan can sometimes seem like these are unstoppable bikes, and nothing can go wrong. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

We’ve done some digging and found common issues with the Kawasaki Vulcan Models .

In this article, we’ll be going through some of the problems experienced by these bikes.

Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

1. Oil Pump Failure

This problem was particularly prevalent in the Vulcans manufactured in the late 90s/ early 2000s.

Although it can be solved by a simple replacement of the oil pump, it’s still a problem worth mentioning, especially for any of our reader’s window shopping a used Vulcan from the aforementioned era.

The issues that result from a failing oil gear pump will usually show up between 4,000 miles and 15,000 miles on the bike. If you’re in the market for a used Vulcan, be sure to inquire about the condition of its oil pump, any problematic history the pump has, and whether it’s been upgraded.

Again, these are great bikes; with an upgraded oil pump a used Vulcan is a score.

Just in case you already bought your Kawk and are wondering if you’ve got a bad pump on your hands, here’s what to look out for:

Symptoms of a Failing Oil Pump Include:

• Tapping noises from the engine
• Check engine oil light coming on
• Intermittent starting
• Loud Whining sound from the clutch cover area
• High oil pressure

Keep in mind that the oil pump problems mostly affected older variations of the Vulcan.

This includes models from 1999 through 2005. This was due to Kawasaki having used plastic components in the pump instead of metal, an oversight the Japanese brand has since rectified.

These plastic pumps were weak, and many Vulcans faced the issue of having to replace them. The problem was solved by Kawasaki replacing the pumps under warranty.

These days, there are only a few Vulcan models that experience this problem. This is because Kawasaki went and upgraded the oil pump from plastic to metal.

The problem was most common on the Vulcan 1500 Classic models, and owners opted to replace the oil pump with a third-party one.

Replacing the oil gear pump seems to solve the symptoms listed above.

2. Regulator/Rectifier Wears Early

While some riders say the Regulator/Rectifiers on Kawasaki Vulcans burn out early, others say it results from poor storage or upkeep on the older models.  

Moto-maniacs debate the cause of the Vulcan R/R’s early death.

Some say it’s the fact that the Vulcans all used sealed, liquid-cooled engines. While the machine is flushed with coolant, nothing cools the Regulator/Rectifier which is then trapped in the sealed motor.

In the 90s, and early 2000s, it was typical for the R/Rs on liquid-cooled V-twins of all makes and models to burn out early, as it took engineers a while to design parts that could withstand the internal heat of a sealed engine. 

It hasn’t been a common problem in the last decade; since those old Vulcans run forever, we figured we’d put it on your map.

What Is a Regulator/Rectifier?

Like most bikes, the Vulcan uses batteries that replenish via electric systems.

That system generally includes a part called the Regulator/Rectifier (R/R), which regulates and rectifies voltage by converting AC into DC and fixing the DC power under 14.5 volts before routing it to charge the battery.

To be clear, like any engine part, all Regulator/Rectifiers fail someday. The criticism here is that an old Vulcan’s R/R dies earlier than it should. 

How to Know If My Vulcan’s Regulator/Rectifier Is Failing? 

There are two direct ways that the regulator/rectifier can fail. 1. Diode burnout, which prevents the battery from charging and exhibits the following symptoms:

• Inadequate starts,
• Inconsistent voltmeter readings,
• Dimming or flickering headlights.

2. A Shunt regulator burnout results in the R/R failing to rectify the voltage levels. This puts an overcharge on the battery and, in severe circumstances, can even cause the battery to blow up. 

Symptoms of a shunt regulator burnout are:

• The battery charge reads above 17 volts, suggesting that the regulator/rectifier failed to convert the surplus power. 
• Your Vulcan’s headlight increases in illumination and then blows out.
• The Vulcan’s wiring harness is in visibly poor condition. 

How to Test Your Vulcan’s Regulator/Rectifier for Failure 

Follow these steps to inspect the virtue of your Vulcan’s regulator/rectifier:

• To test the Rectifier,  disconnect the wires in your Vulcan and set the multimeter to the diode operation.
• Check the positive diode by connecting the positive lead to the Vulcan’s positive diode.
• Secure your negative lead to the stator. Your meter shouldn’t read anything.
• Attach the positive diode to the stator’s negative lead.
• Attach the positive to all stator inputs. The meter should give you a reading; any reading is fine as long as it’s picking up something. 
• Attach the positive lead to the negative diode and secure the stator inputs and negative lead.
• The meter shouldn’t read at all.
• To check the regulator,  connect the meter leads to your Vulcan’s battery while your Vulcan is idling. Your reading should be less than 13.5 volts. If it’s higher, your Vulcan’s battery is overcharged, and your R/R could be faulty.

How Do You Fix a Failing Regulator/Rectifier on a Kawasaki Vulcan?

The only way to fix a failing Regulator/Rectifier is to replace it with a new R/R; Regulator/Rectifiers for your Vulcan are relatively inexpensive, and it’s a quick job for a decent mechanic. 

As far as the older Vulcans go, an aftermarket R/R might handle heat better than the stock piece. Some of the R/R’s Kawasaki made, later on, might work; you’ll have to research to find an upgrade that fits your particular make and year model Kawasaki Vulcan.

3. Noisey Drive Pulley

This is another issue that got nipped in the bud circa 2008; f ortunately, this list item isn’t so much of a common problem as it is a frequent complaint.

Still, we figure we’d better cover it, as it seems to be a FAQ in many of the Vulcan forums.

The drive pulley is the component responsible for driving the primary belt. According to the slue of complaints online, the Vulcan’s drive pully makes more noise than is standard on motorcycles. 

My assumption is that it has to do with the big ol’ Harley-Davidson-style Primary belt, as certain HD models garner the same complaints.

The Vulcan is certainly an homage to American cruisers–it’s no accident that it stocked a fat belt-driven primary like the HD’s.  Regularly lubricating the teeth with oil has been known to dampen the sound in some cases, while in others riders just learn to live with the noisy primary, appreciating its rattle as a characteristic of a powerful, beefy cruiser.

For those of you who are here because your drive pully or primary belt are making new, unconventional sounds, we’ll go into a few potential problems that it could be.

To be clear, these aren’t indicative of specific problems with the Vulcan, just a few general places to start troubleshooting on any belt-driven primary that’s clanking around.

Problems Indicating a Failing Drive Pulley:

• Belt Teeth Need Oil
• Belt Tension Too Loose or Too Tight
• Drive Pulley Nut Coming Loose
• Belt Alignment is Not Accurate

Problems with the drive pulley will usually show themselves as noises coming from the belt.

It sounds like the belt is rubbing up against something and producing a squealing noise.

In many of the cases reported in the forums, riders say the noise was exaggerated after the bike had fallen or had gotten into an accident, or after they replaced the belt.

The belt tension on the Kawasaki Vulcans is very sensitive–overtightening the belt incorrectly will usually result in a noisy belt or faulty drive pulley system. A primary belt that’s too loose will also cause issues with the Vulcan’s belt and drive pulley system.

Most problems that arise with a noisy belt usually indicated an incorrectly adjusted belt tension.

Swapping out the belt for a new one can work, but the tension must be just right when installing the new drive belt. So it is recommended to have a mechanic or dealership deal with the installation.

Having visited a mechanic, other owners found out that the nut on the drive pulley had come loose.

The nut coming loose is not as common as the belt issue but affects many riders. A loose nut can result in some wear and tear on both the drive pulley and the output spline shaft.

NOTE: At the end of the day, inspecting and maintaining your gearbox will ensure your drive nuts stay tight and your primary belt stays in adjustment. Transmission inspections are routine on any vehicle and are part of the service schedule outlined by Kawasaki in the Vulcan’s manual.

General Pros and Cons for the Kawasaki Vulcan Models

The Kawasaki Vulcan models were a big player in the cruiser market, especially in the US.

This might be because of the great handling and the power of the engine.

The Kawasaki Vulcan S model has a steady crop of Kawasaki cruiser fans. It puts out a maximum of 6600 RPM at 63Nm, and all that power comes to a smooth stop with an improved braking system.

Most owners of the new Vulcan S model from Kawasaki brag about its stopping power. The bike features ABS and a single 300mm disc front brake.

You should also be reading our article which talks about 6 Most-Common Problems With Kawasaki Versys 650

The Kawasaki Vulcan models’ seating position has always been comfortable and can go up against some of the best cruisers in the same range .

• Oil Gear Failure Issue
• Stator And Regulator/Rectifier Issues
• Drive Pulley Problems
• Vulcan Engine Whine Noise Issue
• Output Shaft And Bevel Gear Failure
• Vulcan 800 Speedometer problems

What Do the Reviews Say?

“Little creature comforts, such as a clever neutral-finder at stops, floorboards, and a backrest for the passenger, plus electronic cruise control, add to the superb package that makes the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Nomad a great model you might not have considered.”

[Source: UltimateMotorcycling.com]

“Kawasaki market research has determined that a primary concern for motorcycle buyers—first-timers and experienced riders—is finding a motorcycle that physically fits . Picking a new bike is not unlike trying on a new pair of shoes, and it is here that the all-new Kawasaki Vulcan S Ergo-Fit concept provides a fresh approach.”

[Source: CycleWorld.com]

What’s The Resale Value On The Kawasaki Vulcan Models

NB: These prices are estimated and may vary concerning your location. Also, the model and the mileage may play a part in its price range.

References:

https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2013/02/14/kawasaki-vulcan-1700-nomad-quick-ride-review/

https://www.cycleworld.com/2015/01/22/2015-kawasaki-vulcan-s-abs-cruiser-motorcycle-review-first-ride-photos-specifications/

Click to share...

ⓘ  The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.

• Mobile Site
• Staff Directory
• Advertise with Ars

Filter by topic

• Biz & IT
• Gaming & Culture

Front page layout

22.5 light hours —

Recoding voyager 1—nasa’s interstellar explorer is finally making sense again, "we're pretty much seeing everything we had hoped for, and that's always good news.”.

Stephen Clark - Apr 23, 2024 5:56 pm UTC

Engineers have partially restored a 1970s-era computer on NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft after five months of long-distance troubleshooting, building confidence that humanity's first interstellar probe can eventually resume normal operations.

Several dozen scientists and engineers gathered Saturday in a conference room at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or connected virtually, to wait for a new signal from Voyager 1. The ground team sent a command up to Voyager 1 on Thursday to recode part of the memory of the spacecraft's Flight Data Subsystem (FDS) , one of the probe's three computers.

“In the minutes leading up to when we were going to see a signal, you could have heard a pin drop in the room," said Linda Spilker, project scientist for NASA's two Voyager spacecraft at JPL. "It was quiet. People were looking very serious. They were looking at their computer screens. Each of the subsystem (engineers) had pages up that they were looking at, to watch as they would be populated."

Finally, a breakthrough

Launched nearly 47 years ago, Voyager 1 is flying on an outbound trajectory more than 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, and it takes 22-and-a-half hours for a radio signal to cover that distance at the speed of light. This means it takes nearly two days for engineers to uplink a command to Voyager 1 and get a response.

In November, Voyager 1 suddenly stopped transmitting its usual stream of data containing information about the spacecraft's health and measurements from its scientific instruments. Instead, the spacecraft's data stream was entirely unintelligible. Because the telemetry was unreadable, experts on the ground could not easily tell what went wrong. They hypothesized the source of the problem might be in the memory bank of the FDS.

There was a breakthrough last month when engineers sent up a novel command to "poke" Voyager 1's FDS to send back a readout of its memory. This readout allowed engineers to pinpoint the location of the problem in the FDS memory . The FDS is responsible for packaging engineering and scientific data for transmission to Earth.

After a few weeks, NASA was ready to uplink a solution to get the FDS to resume packing engineering data. This data stream includes information on the status of the spacecraft—things like power levels and temperature measurements. This command went up to Voyager 1 through one of NASA's large Deep Space Network antennas Thursday.

Then, the wait for a response. Spilker, who started working on Voyager right out of college in 1977, was in the room when Voyager 1's signal reached Earth Saturday.

"When the time came to get the signal, we could clearly see all of a sudden, boom, we had data, and there were tears and smiles and high fives," she told Ars. "Everyone was very happy and very excited to see that, hey, we're back in communication again with Voyager 1. We're going to see the status of the spacecraft, the health of the spacecraft, for the first time in five months."

Throughout the five months of troubleshooting, Voyager's ground team continued to receive signals indicating the spacecraft was still alive. But until Saturday, they lacked insight into specific details about the status of Voyager 1.

“It’s pretty much just the way we left it," Spilker said. "We're still in the initial phases of analyzing all of the channels and looking at their trends. Some of the temperatures went down a little bit with this period of time that's gone on, but we're pretty much seeing everything we had hoped for. And that's always good news.”

Relocating code

Through their investigation, Voyager's ground team discovered a single chip responsible for storing a portion of the FDS memory stopped working, probably due to either a cosmic ray hit or a failure of aging hardware. This affected some of the computer's software code.

"That took out a section of memory," Spilker said. "What they have to do is relocate that code into a different portion of the memory, and then make sure that anything that uses those codes, those subroutines, know to go to the new location of memory, for access and to run it."

Only about 3 percent of the FDS memory was corrupted by the bad chip, so engineers needed to transplant that code into another part of the memory bank. But no single location is large enough to hold the section of code in its entirety, NASA said.

So the Voyager team divided the code into sections for storage in different places in the FDS. This wasn't just a copy-and-paste job. Engineers needed to modify some of the code to make sure it will all work together. "Any references to the location of that code in other parts of the FDS memory needed to be updated as well," NASA said in a statement.

reader comments

Channel ars technica.

CarComplaints.com : Car complaints, car problems and defect information

Latest news.

• Apr 27: Mazda Class Action Lawsuit
• Apr 27: Tesla Autopilot Safety Recall Investigated
• My Account |
• Investigations
• Search Complaints
• Update Carcomplaints
• Add Complaints
• Recent Trends
• Best Vehicles
• Worst Vehicles

Worst Complaints

Donate your plymouth grand voyager.

Is it time to move on? Support NPR & the programs you love. Donate your old car in minutes through the CarTalk Vehicle Donation Program.

• Plymouth »
• Grand Voyager »
• 1999 Overview
• Lamborghini
• Mercedes-Benz
• Grand Voyager

1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager

Problems & complaints.

• Compare Grand Voyager Years
• Complaints 294
• Crash Tests 2
• Grand Voyager Recalls 5
• Defect Investigations 6

Worst 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Problems by Category

Click on a category below for details. help.

• transmission problems 2 NHTSA complaints: 42
• AC / heater problems 1
• electrical problems 1 NHTSA complaints: 41
• engine problems 1 NHTSA complaints: 41
• seat belts / air bags problems NHTSA: 56
• steering problems NHTSA: 27
• brakes problems NHTSA: 15
• suspension problems NHTSA: 14
• body / paint problems NHTSA: 9
• miscellaneous problems NHTSA: 8
• drivetrain problems NHTSA: 8
• lights problems NHTSA: 6
• interior accessories problems NHTSA: 6
• fuel system problems NHTSA: 5
• cooling system problems NHTSA: 4
• exhaust system problems NHTSA: 3
• windows / windshield problems NHTSA: 2
• wheels / hubs problems NHTSA: 2

Stay Up to Date

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Compare Plymouth Grand Voyager Model Years

Curious how the 1999 Grand Voyager compares to other years? Check out our Plymouth Grand Voyager overview to see the most problematic years, worst problems and most recently reported complaints with the Grand Voyager.

Worst 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager Problems

#1: engine failure 1999 grand voyager, #2: won't go into gear 1999 grand voyager, #3: ac compressor failure 1999 grand voyager, search for car problems.

Example: "Bad Brakes", "Toyota Recall", etc.

Add Your Complaint

Bump the Grand Voyager problem graphs up another notch. Get answers and make your voice heard!

Become a Fan & Spread the Word

• 2019 Toyota RAV4 hesitates and lurches at slower speeds
• 2005 Nissan Pathfinder coolant leaked into transmission
• 2001 Honda Civic transmission failure
• 2003 Honda Accord transmission failure
• 2011 Hyundai Sonata engine seized
• 2013 Nissan Altima CVT shuttering, vibration, hesitation, running roughly
• 2008 Toyota RAV4 excessive oil consumption
• 2006 Nissan Pathfinder coolant leaked into transmission
• 2002 Honda Civic transmission failure
• 2003 Ford Taurus transmission failed

April 22, 2024

After Months of Gibberish, Voyager 1 Is Communicating Well Again

NASA scientists spent months coaxing the 46-year-old Voyager 1 spacecraft back into healthy communication

By Meghan Bartels

NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft is depicted in this artist’s concept traveling through interstellar space, or the space between stars, which it entered in 2012.

NASA/JPL-Caltech

After months of nonsensical transmissions from humanity’s most distant emissary, NASA’s iconic Voyager 1 spacecraft is finally communicating intelligibly with Earth again.

Voyager 1 launched in 1977 , zipped past Jupiter and Saturn within just a few years and has been trekking farther from our sun ever since; the craft crossed into interstellar space in 2012. But in mid-November 2023 Voyager 1’s data transmissions became garbled , sending NASA engineers on a slow quest to troubleshoot the distant spacecraft. Finally, that work has paid off, and NASA has clear information on the probe’s health and status, the agency announced on April 22.

“It’s the most serious issue we’ve had since I’ve been the project manager, and it’s scary because you lose communication with the spacecraft,” said Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in an interview with Scientific American when the team was still tracking down the issue.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing . By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

The Voyager 1 spacecraft is a scientific legend : It discovered that Jupiter’s moon Io, far from being a dead world like our own companion, is instead a supervolcanic world . The craft’s data suggested that Saturn’s moon Titan might have liquid on its surface. And for more than a decade, Voyager 1 has given scientists a glimpse at what space looks like beyond the influence of our sun.

Yet its long years in the harsh environment of space have done a number on the probe, which was designed to last just four years. In particular, degraded performance and low power supplies have forced NASA to turn off six of its 10 instruments, and its communication has gotten even spottier than can be explained by the fact that cosmic mechanics mean a signal takes nearly one Earth day to travel between humans and the probe.

When the latest communications glitch occurred last fall, scientists could still send signals to the distant probe, and they could tell that the spacecraft was operating. But all they got from Voyager 1 was gibberish—what NASA described in December 2023 as “a repeating pattern of ones and zeros.” The team was able to trace the issue back to a part of the spacecraft’s computer system called the flight data subsystem, or FDS, and identified that a particular chip within that system had failed.

Mission personnel couldn’t repair the chip. They were, however, able to break the code held on the failed chip into pieces they could tuck into spare corners of the FDS’s memory, according to NASA. The first such fix was transmitted to Voyager 1 on April 18. With a total distance of 30 billion miles to cross from Earth to the spacecraft and back, the team had to wait nearly two full days for a response from the probe. But on April 20 NASA got confirmation that the initial fix worked. Additional commands to rewrite the rest of the FDS system’s lost code are scheduled for the coming weeks, according to the space agency, including commands that will restore the spacecraft’s ability to send home science data.

Although, for now, Voyager 1 appears to be on the mend, NASA scientists know it won’t last forever. Sooner or later, a glitch they can’t fix will occur, or the spacecraft’s ever dwindling fuel supply will run out for good. Until then NASA is determined to get as much data as possible out of the venerable spacecraft—and its twin, Voyager 2, which experienced its own communications glitch earlier in 2023 .

Voyager 1 resumes sending readable status updates after 5 months of repairs

April 22 (UPI) -- The pioneering Voyager 1 deep-space probe is once again sending usable engineering updates back to Earth after five months of repairs, NASA officials announced Monday.

Voyager 1, which along with its twin, Voyager 2, are the only spacecraft to ever fly in interstellar space, has not been able to send readable data about its health or scientific mission since Nov. 14.

But following lengthy and sophisticated attempts to establish a technological work-around, NASA revealed Monday its engineers had succeeded in once again receiving Voyager's engineering status updates that can be deciphered.

Its scientific data reports, however, remain unreadable and is the next issue to be addressed, the agency said.

Scientists with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California confirmed that the problem was traced to one of the craft's three onboard computers, called the flight data subsystem, or FDS, which is responsible for packaging the science and engineering data before it's sent to Earth.

They discovered that a single chip in the FDS is malfunctioning, and as a fix worked on transferring the code contained in the chip into a series of three other locations within the FDS -- a complicated maneuver involving a sophisticated series of changes necessary to ensure the various components could still function together.

Because Voyager 1, the most distant manmade object in space, is more than 15 billion miles away, long waits of nearly 24 hours were necessary to complete each step of the modifications.

But on Saturday, NASA received confirmation the changes were completed and successful as the probe once again began sending back readable engineering data.

Meanwhile, Voyager 2 continues to operate normally, they said.

The twin Voyager spacecraft were launched in 1977 and remain the longest-running and most distant spacecraft in human history.

Before entering interstellar space, both probes flew by Saturn and Jupiter, while Voyager 2 flew by Uranus and Neptune.

Universe Today

Space and astronomy news

NASA Restores Communications with Voyager 1

The venerable Voyager 1 spacecraft is finally phoning home again. This is much to the relief of mission engineers, scientists, and Voyager fans around the world.

On November 14, 2023, the aging spacecraft began sending what amounted to a string of gibberish back to Earth. It appeared to be getting commands from Earth and seemed to be operating okay. It just wasn’t returning any useful science and engineering data. The team engineers began diagnostic testing to figure out if the spacecraft’s onboard computer was giving up the ghost. They also wanted to know if there was some other issue going on.

It wasn’t completely surprising that Voyager 1 would have issues, after all. And, this isn’t the first time Voyager 1 has sent back garbly data . It’s been traversing space since its launch in 1977. Currently, the spacecraft is rushing away from the Solar System toward interstellar space. The spacecraft systems will eventually fail due to age and lack of power. But, people have always held out hope for them to last as long as possible. That’s because Voyager 1 is probing unexplored regions of space.

What Happened to Voyager 1?

The diagnostic testing led the engineering team at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to look at old engineering documents and manuals for the onboard computers. Eventually, they found that the flight data subsystem (FDS) was having an issue. In the spacecraft’s data handling pipeline, this system takes information from the instruments and packages it into a data stream for the long trip back to Earth.

It turns out that the FDS has a bit of a memory problem. The engineers found this out by poking at the computer—literally sending a “poke” command to Voyager 1. That prompted the FDS to disgorge a readout of its memory—including the software code and other code values. The readout showed that about 3 percent of the FDS memory is corrupted due to a single chip failing. That’s just enough to keep the computer from doing its normal work of packaging science and engineering data. Unfortunately, engineers can’t replace the chip. No repair is possible, so the technical team devised a workaround.

Fixing the Faulty Code and Chip

So, how did engineers reach across 24 billion kilometers of space to restore communication with Voyager 1? They focused on a specific part of the computer. The loss of the code on that failed chip made it impossible for the computer to do its job. So, they figured out a way to divide the code into sections and store them in various locations around the FDS. Then they had to make the sections work together to do their original job.

They started out by taking the code that packages engineering data and moving it to a safe spot in FDS. Then they sent some commands to the spacecraft for the FDS to do some tasks. That worked because, on April 20th, they heard back from the spacecraft with clear, intelligible data. Now, they just need to do the same thing with other bits of code so that the spacecraft can send back both engineering and science data.

For now, at least, the science and engineering teams can check the spacecraft’s health and its systems. Once they relocate the other bits of code and test them after being moved, they should be able to start receiving science data again. This could take several weeks to accomplish. They’re communicating with a spacecraft that’s 22.5 light-hours away, so having a lengthy diagnostic conversation with Voyager is going to take some time. This isn’t the only problem engineers have had to contend with recently with Voyager 1. In October 2023, they worked to overcome a fuel flow problem affecting its thrusters.

Voyager 1 Into History

Voyager 1 was launched on a planetary flyby trajectory on September 5, 1977. It passed by Jupiter in March 1979 and Saturn in November 1980. The mission then morphed into an extended period of exploration and exited the heliopause in 2012. On its way out of the Solar System, the spacecraft also “looked back” at Earth. Now, it’s exploring the interstellar medium but has not yet traversed the Oort Cloud, the outermost portion of the Solar System.

Several of Voyager 1’s science instruments are shut down, including its ultraviolet spectrometer, the plasma subsystem, planetary radio astronomy instrument, and scan platform. In the not-too-distant future, more instruments will be powered down, along with the data tape recorder, the gyroscopes, and other systems will be off. Sometime in the next decade, the spacecraft won’t have enough power to keep anything running, and that is when we’ll finally lose contact with Voyager 1.

This will probably happen by the mid-2030s, and by that time, Voyager 1 will have been “in service” for around 55 years. Along with its twin, Voyager 2, this spacecraft opened up exploration of the outer solar system and interstellar space. They’ll continue out to the stars, their last mission being as a calling card to any civilizations that might find them in the distant future.

For More Information

NASA’s Voyager 1 Resumes Sending Engineering Updates to Earth Engineers Pinpoint Cause of Voyager 1 Issue, Are Working on Solution

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

One Reply to “NASA Restores Communications with Voyager 1”

The happiness and relief is palpable.

And shared.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Voyager 1: NASA's longest-running spacecraft back in touch with Earth after five months of silence

The Voyager probes are in interstellar space but Voyager 1 stopped sending back usable information in November. After months of work, NASA scientists have now heard back from the spacecraft.

By Mickey Carroll, science and technology reporter

Tuesday 23 April 2024 11:45, UK

NASA's longest-running spacecraft Voyager 1 is sending information back to Earth again for the first time since November.

Scientists have managed to fix a problem on the probe, which was launched 46 years ago, after five months of silence.

On 14 November last year, Voyager 1 stopped sending usable data back to Earth, even though scientists could tell it was still receiving their commands and working well otherwise.

Hi, it's me. - V1 https://t.co/jgGFBfxIOe — NASA Voyager (@NASAVoyager) April 22, 2024

It was first launched alongside its twin, Voyager 2. The pair are the only spacecraft to ever fly in interstellar space , which is the space between stars.

The Voyager probes send back never-seen-before information about our galaxy. Since they blasted off in 1977, they have revealed details in Saturn's rings, provided the first in-depth images of the rings of Uranus and Neptune and discovered the rings of Jupiter.

Although their cameras are switched off to conserve power and memory, they are still sending back information that would be impossible to get anywhere else.

With all this data stuck onboard and the spacecraft more than 15 billion miles from Earth, NASA scientists needed to fix the problem remotely.

More on Nasa

Lyrid meteor shower: How UK stargazers can watch the oldest annual meteor shower

NASA chief says 'secretive' China is hiding military projects in space

Mystery object that crashed into Florida home last month was 'discarded space junk', NASA says

Related Topics:

The team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California confirmed in March that the issue was with one of Voyager 1's three onboard computers. That computer, called the flight data subsystem, is responsible for packaging the data up before it is sent back to Earth.

Engineers have confirmed that corrupted memory aboard my twin #Voyager1 has been causing it to send unreadable data to Earth. It may take months, but our team is optimistic they can find a way for the FDS to operate normally again: https://t.co/qe5iQUu4Oj https://t.co/AGFBZFz53v — NASA Voyager (@NASAVoyager) April 4, 2024

Within the computer, a single chip containing some of the computer's software code had stopped working. Without that code, the data was unusable.

The engineers couldn't pop over and fix it. Instead, on 18 April, they remotely split the code across different parts of the computer.

Then they had to wait to see if their fix had worked.

It takes around 22-and-a-half hours for a radio signal to reach Voyager 1 and another 22-and-a-half hours for a response to come back.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

On 20 April, the team got good news. For the first time in five months, they were in contact with Voyager 1 again and could check the health and status of the spacecraft.

Now, they'll adjust the rest of the computer so it can begin sending back more data.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Voyager 2 is working normally and heading towards a star called Ross 248. It'll come within 1.7 light years of it in around 40,000 years.

Voyager 1 will almost reach a star in the Little Dipper constellation in 38,200 years from now.

Related Topics

American Voyager Association

We welcome all Voyagers (those who Voyage) whether you ride a Kawasaki Voyager or not, all brands are welcomed to join!

Skip to content

• Home Voyager Model Forums General - Voyager XII (1200 Four)
• Join the AVA today (Opens a new tab)
• Make a Donation (Opens a new tab)
• Forum Registration (Opens a new tab)
• 2024 Rally Preview (Opens a new tab)
• 2023 Rally Closing Video (Opens a new tab)

New Member.. 1995 Voyager XII problems...

Moderators: the2knights , Highway Rider

Post by KISSfanJoe » Sun Jul 07, 2013 4:53 pm

Re: New Member.. 1995 Voyager XII problems...

Post by suzib6sw » Wed Aug 14, 2013 7:05 pm

Post by k7nutN7nut » Wed Aug 14, 2013 8:21 pm

Post by Gator Mike » Thu Aug 15, 2013 11:23 am

Post by Jrichard » Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:32 pm

KISSfanJoe wrote: Not sure if this is where to post questions, but I have a 1995 Voyager XII and am having issues with 3rd gear. The transmission is kind of clunky, but I know this is common. This is my second '95 Voyager so I'm fairly familiar. However, when I am going through the gears... First, and second shift fine other than being clunky. When I go into third, as I am accelerating the transmission starts to pop. It does this if you go through third accelerating fast or if you are driving the bike like it is supposed to be driven. It seems to do it at 2000 rpms if you drive it normally. It is like the transmission pops and the bike jerks. When I first bought the bike about 2 months ago, it did not do this. I changed the oil and put in the Rotella oil that I would put in my old voyager. Any thoughts??

Post by cushman eagle » Wed Aug 21, 2013 1:41 am

Post by ffltstn » Wed Aug 21, 2013 3:16 am

Post by VoyKimmer » Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:37 pm

Post by doug of so fla » Thu Aug 22, 2013 4:51 pm

Post by 1911XD » Thu Sep 12, 2013 6:43 am

ffltstn wrote: I had the same issue on my '95. If I shifted to third and lightly kept giving it gas it would usually stay in gear. If I tried to accelerate I could feel the dogs slipping in and out of the gear. Doesn't take a whole tear down but does have to come out and bottom opened up. It was a bent shift fork. Carl set me up with a used set of gears and shift forks. This was before his move, not sure what he has now. Ken IN Fl. BTW Big KISS fan too

Post by rasmussenstacey95 » Wed Aug 24, 2022 1:28 am

Return to “General - Voyager XII (1200 Four)”

• Past Rallies and Next Rally--Next Rally Is In : Blairsville, Georgia
• ↳   34th Annual AVA Rally Blairsville, GA. June 17th - 20th 2024
• ↳   33rd Annual AVA Rally Shelburne, NH. June 19th - 22nd 2023
• ↳   Past AVA Rallys
• ↳   32nd Annual AVA Rally Flagstaff, AZ. June 20th - 23rd 2022
• ↳   31st Annual AVA Rally Springfield, MO. June 14-17, 2021
• ↳   Our Annual AVA Rally North Conway, NH. June 22-25, 2020 was cancelled
• ↳   30th Annual AVA Rally Summersville WV. June 24-27 2019
• ↳   29th Annual AVA Rally Kerrville Tx. June 25-28 2018
• ↳   28th Annual AVA Rally Nashville In. June 21-19 2017
• ↳   27th Annual AVA Rally Hurley Wi. June 20-23, 2016
• ↳   26th Annual AVA Rally Estes Park Co. June 22-25, 2015
• ↳   25th Annual Ava Rally Ashville Nc. July 7-10-2014
• ↳   24th Annual AVA Rally Logan Oh July 8-11-2013
• Forum/Classified Ad Use/General Chat/Groups
• ↳   General Chat
• ↳   Forum/Classified Ads Use Questions
• ↳   Motorcycles for Sale
• ↳   Part for sale
• ↳   Parts Wanted
• Voyager Model Forums
• ↳   General - Voyager XII (1200 Four)
• ↳   Tech Tips - Voyager XII (1200 Four)
• ↳   General - Voyager 1300 Six
• ↳   Tech Tips - Voyager 1300 Six
• ↳   General - Voyager 1700 V-Twin
• ↳   Tech Tips - Voyager 1700 V-Twin
• ↳   AVA Voyagers 1300 1200 and 1700 Tech Center
• Other Brands/Misc.
• ↳   All Other Brands General Forum
• ↳   Travel Reports, Ideas, Questions, Suggestions
• ↳   Trailers/Trailer Tech
• ↳   Poll Forum
• AVA Express Flag
• ↳   AVA Express Flag
• All times are UTC
• Delete cookies

Powered by phpBB ® Forum Software © phpBB Limited

Privacy | Terms

NASA engineers fix communication issues with Voyager One

Top Stories: April 28, 2024

Name of man killed in Delaware County crash released

One dead in Cerro Gordo County crash

Jacobson of West and Cedar Falls relayers highlight final day at the Drake Relays

Iowa City anti-war protests continue amid nationwide conflicts between protestors and police

Learn how to make a delicious pasta dish in this Fareway Cooking Segment

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• The Minivan Mopar Garage
• 3rd Generation Chrysler Minivans: 1996-2000

Coolant leak '99 Plymouth grand voyager

• Add to quote

Sorry if this has been asked and answered here, but I couldn't for the life of me find it....maybe cause I don't know exactly what I'm looking at. Anyway, I have a '99 Plymouth grand voyager SE 3.3 with a coolant leak. I replaced the radiator, water pump, and upper and lower hoses last week and the car is still leaking like a sieve. If I pressurize the radiator, the leak seems to be coming from a hose that leads underneath the thermostat housing/water box down into a pipe that (I think) is attached to the timing chain cover. I replaced that hose but the leak still continues. Could there be a small pinhole in that pipe causing the leak? What exactly is that pipe? Do I have to replace the whole timing case? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have no problem doing the work myself, I just don't know what part I actually have to get. Thanks in advance.  

Look at where it is leaking from carefully. That hose does connect to an outlet on the back of the timing cover, behind the water pump. It's possible that either the hose, or the clamps at either end are leaking. It's also possible that the t-stat housing gasket is leaking. It is also possible that the leak may be coming from the timing cover gasket. In that area, there is a coolant passage from the engine into the timing cover. It is sealed by an o-ring that sometimes gives out, causing the coolant to leak. Once the o-ring gives out, the coolant may leak past the gasket and out the back of the timing cover. Does the leak look like it is coming from the top of the timing cover? If it is coming from below, there is another inlet directly behind the water pump that leads to the metal heater return tube. These have a tendency to rust out over time and spring a leak.  

That hose is the bypass hose. It keeps the water circulation in the block when the thermostat is closed and keeps warm water to the thermostat to help it open on time. The fitting on the top side of the hose that goes into the intake manifold is rather thick and would take a long time to rust out. The lower fitting (pipe) is thinner and tends to rust out faster. It is pressed into the timing cover so you would have to remove the cover to do anything with it. Also the intake manifold gasket is very close to the bypass hose so check to see if it is leaking and spraying out onto the hose. If the timing cover seal fails it will look like this. View attachment 5618  

Thanks for the prompt suggestions! I've dried up all the wet areas and pressurized the radiator. The leak is definitely coming from the area where the bypass hose goes into the fitting behind the water pump where the timing case is. I'm going to pull everything off tomorrow and replace the hose and the gaskets and see if that works. If not I guess I'll be junkyard scavenging for a timing case cover. I'll try and update as I go. Thanks again!  

Did you look closely with a flashlight to see exactly where the leak is coming from? I have heard of the pipe coming from the back of the water pump loosening up and leaking (and sometimes falling out), but it seems more common for the timing cover O-ring/gasket to fail. Looks like if either one is leaking you will have to replace the timing cover anyway (or fix it). New timing covers are cost prohibitive, and difficult to get. I believe one member reattached that pipe with JB Weld and traded/sold the van. I had to replace the timing cover gasket/O-ring on our van once, and it is leaking again 20,000 miles later. I used the Fel-pro gasket kit, and that may have been the problem. Next time I am using the OEM gasket and O-ring as it is a different material. Also, you have to drain the oil and remove the oil pan to remove the timing cover, because the oil pump is in the timing cover and the pick-up tube connects to it. It's kind of a big job that takes a whole weekend to do.  

While I agree with Road Ripper, I feel I want to give you my version. I had a mysterious leak and no one was able to understand from where it was leaking. Not a huge leak but enough to empty the reservoir every month. The leak was so stupid, really stupid and was happening ONLY after I was driving a lot during the day... well, one night me and my friend were checking for a Chrysler MIL 31 (there's a thread here on that) and we noticed that a small hose, on top of the radiator, near the cap was leaking! Not just a drop or two... was a small stream... what was missing? A Clamp! Put the Clamp, now it's a month, going to be two that the reservoir is not emptying anymore! Yey... Morale, some times it can be big but some other times... it can be a really small thing that make the difference... For the OP sake and wallet I hope it's a small one.  

• ?            
• 574.6K posts
• 81.2K members

Top Contributors this Month