1999 FIAT PUNTO heater

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
Testing 7 A rough test of the thermostat may be made by suspending it with a piece of siring in a container full of water. Heat tho water to bring it to the boii and observe the movement of the vaive shaft through the inlet port (see illustrations). 6 The thermostat valve must be fully open, by the time the water boils. If not, renew the complete IhermOstat/housIng assembly. 9 If a thermometer is available, the precise opening temperature of the thermostat may be determined; compare with the figures given in the Specifications. The opening temperature Is also marked on the thermostat housing. 10 Note that a thermostat which falls to close completely as ihe water cools must also be renewed.
Refitting 11 Ensure that the cylinder head and thermostat housing mating surfaces are
completely clean and free from ail traces of Ihe old gasket material. 12 Lay a new gasket In position on the cylinder head, then fit the thermostat housing and Insert retaining bolts, tightening them securely.
Caution: Do not over-tlghten tho retaining bolts, as tho alloy casting could easily be damaged 13 Where applicable, transfer the cooling fan switch and coolant temperature sensor to the new housing. 14 Refit the coolant hose(s) to the ports on the thermostat housing and lighten the clips securely. 15 Where applicable, refit the harness/hose support bracket to the thermostat housing and tighten the bolts securely. Also refit the air cleaner and Inlet ducts as described in Chapter 4B 15 Refill the cooling system as described in Chapter 1A or 1B.
5 Electric cooling fan(s) -testing, removal and refitting ^
Testing 1 Detailed fault diagnosis should be camw out by a Rat dealer using dedicated tesl equipment, but basic diagnosis can be car&c out as follows. 2 If the fan does not appear to work, run if* engine until normal operating temperature s reached, Ihen allow It to idle. The fan shouldcti In within a few minutes (before lite temperalure gauge needle enters the red section), il nol. switch off the engine and disconnect tfie cooling fan motor wiring connector. 3 The motor can be tested by disconnecting it from the wiring loom, and connecting a 12? volt supply directly to It. The motor should operate - if not. the motor, or the motor wiring. Is faulty.
frotf heater from cylinder head mdotor
4.7b Thermostat operation in the fully closed position (diesel engine)
from neoier Irom cylinder head radiator
4.7c Thermostat operation in the fully open position (diesel engine)

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
12 If tho pump is stuck, tap It gently using a soft-faced mallet • do not lever between the pump and cylinder block mating faces.
Inspection 13 Check the pump body and impeller for signs of excessive corrosion. Turn the impeller, and check for stiffness due to corrosion, or roughness due to excessive end play. 14 Check the clearance between the pump Impeller and the casing using a feeler blade (see Illustration). If the clearance is different to that given In the Specifications, the pump must be renewed. No spare components are available; the pump can only be renewed as a complete assembly. 15 On diesel engine models, remove the O-rlng at the end ol the transfer pipe, which runs behind Ihe cylinder block and fits Into the rear of the coolant pump. A new O-rlng should be fitted as a matter of course.
Refitting
Petrol engine models 16 Commence refitting by thoroughly cleaning all traces of sealant from the mating faces of the pump and cylinder block/pump housing. 17 Apply a continuous bead of sealant {liquid gasket) to the cylinder block mating face of the pump, taking care not to apply excessive sealant, which may enter the pump itself (see Illustration). 18 Place the pump In position In Its housing, then refit and lighten the bolts/nuts to the specified torque. 19 Refit the liming belt as described In Chapter 2A or 28. 20 Refit the auxiliary drivebeltfs) and refill the cooling system as described in Chapter
t
A. 21 Reconnect Ihe battery negative terminal. Diesel engine models 22 Commence refitting by thoroughly cleaning all traces of old gasket from the mating faces of the pump housing and cylinder block. 23 Place a new gasket in position on (he cylinder block, locate the pump in position, then refit and tighten the bolts (see
7.17 On petrol engine models, apply a continuous bead of sealant (liquid gasket) to the pump mating face
pump Impeller and the casing using a feeler blode (diesel engine) illustration). Ensure that the end of the coolant transfer pipe seats firmly In tho port at the rear of the coolant pump, without displacing the O-ring seal. 24 Refit Ihe pump pulley, then refit the securing bolts and tighten to the specified torque. Counterhofd the pulley using the same method employed during removal. 25 Where applicable, refit the power steering pump with reference to Chapter 10. 26 Refit and tension the auxiliary drivebelt(s) as described in Chapter 18. 27 Refill (he cooling system as desenbed in Chapter 1B. 28 Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
8 Heater/ventilation components - § removal and refitting
Complete heater assembly

A


Warning: On mode's fitted with air conditioning, do not attempt to remove the cooling unit, which Is located between the heater blower motor casing and the main heater assembly. Romovat of the cooling unit entails disconnection of refrigerant lines - refer to Section 10 for precautions to be observed.
rfJS
tf In any doubt as to the procedure fo follow on models with air conditioning, consult a Fiat dealer for advice. Note: This is an involved procedure, and It (s recommended fhat the following Section fs read thoroughly before commencing work. Plenty of time should be allowed to compter the operation. During dismantling, make notes on the routing of all wiring and cables, and the locations of all fixings, to aid reassembly. Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual), 2 Set the heater control to HOT. then drain the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 18. 3 Working in the engine bay, slacken the clips and dotach the healer unit coolant hoses from the ports at the bulkhead (see illustration) Recover the rubber grommets. 4 Refer to Chapter 11 and remove the entire facia assembly from the vehicle bulkhead. Rest the assembly on the front seats. 5 At this stage, access to the air l nlet/dlstrl but Ion/blending control cables is possible. These can be easily disconnected from their respective control levers and renewed If required. 6 Working from the engine bay. remove the protective plastic caps to expose the heater assembty mounting studs and remove the nuts 7 Label the electrical connections to 1hi» heater assembly, to aid correct refitting later and then unplug them at the connectors 8 Slacken and remove the nuts and lift the healer assembly off its mounting studs. Refitting 9 To refit the assembly, reverse the steps described for removal, bearing in mind the following points: a) Make sure that all wiring and cables are muted as noted during dismantling. b) Make sure that dl air ducts are securely reconnected. c) Refit the facia components with reference to Chapter 11. dl On completion, refill the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 18.
8.3 Slacken the clips (arrowed) and detach the heater unit coolant hoses from the ports at the bulkhead

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
Heater matrix Removal 10 Remove the complete heater assembly as described previously in this Section. 11 Slacken and remove the securing screws, then withdraw the heater matrix from the tester assembly casing. Refitting 12 Refitting is a reversal of removal; refit Ihe neater assembly as described previously in
this
Section.
Heater blower motor
Removal 13 Disconnect the battery negative terminal {refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 14 Unplug the wiring from the blower motor
al the
connector. 15 Working in the passenger front footwell, under the glovebox. remove the securing grows and lower the blower motor and rotor assembly from Its casing (see illustration). Refitting
16 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Heater blower motor resistor
Removal 17 The resistor is located at the bottom of the heater casing, behind the blower motor. 18 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to O/sconnecf/ng the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 19 For improved access, remove the blower motor as described in the previous sub-Section. 20 Disconnect the wiring plug from the resistor. 21 Working under the glovebox. remove the two securing screws, and withdraw the resistor from the blower unit case (see lustrations).
8.15 Removo the securing screws and lower the blower motor and rotor assembly from its casing Refitting 22 Refining Is a reversal of removal.
Heater control panel
Removal 23 Pull the ventilation fan speed control knob from the panel. 24 Unscrew and remove the three screws securing the panel cover. Two screws are under the lower edge of the panel, whilst Ihe remaining screw is located in the ventilation fan speed control knob recess. Remove the panel. 25 Unscrew and remove the four screws securing the control panel to the facia. The screws are located in each comer of the panel. 26 Remove the facia as described in Chap-ter 11. 27 Make a careful note of the cable and electrical connections. Unscrew the cable clamps and unclip the inner cables from the controls. Unplug the ventilation fan speed control. 28 Unclip and remove the control panel from the heater distributor box assembly. Refitting 29 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
9 Air conditioning system -general Information and precautions
General information An air conditioning system is available on certain models. It enables the temperature of Incoming air to be lowered, and also dehumidifies the air, which allows rapid demisting and increased comfort. The cooling side of the system works In the same way as a domestic refrigerator. Refrigerant gas is drawn into a belt-driven compressor where the increase In pressure causes the refrigerant gas to turn to liquid. It then passes through a condenser mounted on the front of the radiator, where it is cooled. Tho liquid then passes through an expansion vaive to an evaporator, where it changes from liquid under high pressure to gas under low pressure. This change is accompanied by a drop in temperature, which cools the evaporator and hence the air passing over it. The refrigerant returns to the compressor, and the cycle begins again. The air bfown through the evaporator passes to the air distribution unit where it is mixed, if required, with hot air blown through the heater matrix to achieve the desired temperature in the passenger compartment. The heating side of ihe system works in the same way as on models without air conditioning (see Section 8). The system Is electronically-controlled. Any problems with the system should be referred to a Fiat dealer.
Precautions With an air conditioning system. It is necessary to observe special precautions whenever dealing with any part of the system, or its associated components. If for any reason the system must be disconnected, it Is
8.21a Remove the two securing screws (arrowed)... ,21b ... and withdraw the resistor from the blower unit case

4A*2 Fuel system -
single-point
petrol Injection models
17 Unscrew the two bolts securing the fuel fell assembly to the Inlet manifold lower section, then carefully pull the injectors from Ihe manifold. Lift the fuel rail and injector assembly, with fuel hoses still connected, and position it to one side (see Illustration). 18 Disconnect the heater hose from the manifold stub. 19 Undo the engine oil dipstick tube bracket retaining bolt and the two bolts securing the * now
one should be used on refitting. Refitting
21 Refitting is a reverse of the removal
procedure, noting the following points: a) Ensure that tha manifold and cylinder head mating surfaces are clean and dry. and fit
a
new manifold
gasf Refit the manifold and securely tighten its retaining nuts. b) Renew the sealing O'rlngs fitted between the manifold upper and lower sections if in any doubt about their condition. c) Ensure ail relevant hoses are reconnected to their original positions and are securely held (where necessary) by the retaining clips. d) Renew the injector O-ring seals, and smear them with a little Vaseline before assembling. e) Adjust the accelerator cable as descnbed in Section 4.
f) On completion, refill the cooling system as described in Chapter 1A.
11 Fuel injection system testing and adjustment
Refer to Chapter 4A.
12 Unleaded petrol -general information and usage
Refer to Chapter 4A.
10.16 Disconnect the wiring connectors and hoses from the fuel rail and manifold 1 Fuel injector harness wiring connector 2 Intake air temperature/pressure sensor wiring connector 3 Fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose 4
EVAP
purge valve hose
10.17 Lift off the fuel rail and injector assembly, with fuel hoses still connected, and position it to one side

Fuel system - diesel models 4C*3
Torque wrench settings Nm Ibfft Fuel injection pump roar bracket .. . 29 21 Fuel Injection pump .... 25 18 Fuel Injectors 41 Fuel pipe union nuts .... 30 22 Inlet manifold .... 24 18 Lower oil tiller mounting and injection pump mounting nut ..... .... 71 S2 Turbocnarger to exhaust manifold .... <10 30 Upper Dtl filter mounting end injection pump mounting nut 98 72
1 General information and precautions
General information The fuel system consists of a rear-mounted fust tank, a fuel filter with integral water separator, a fuel injection pump, in|eciors and associated components. A turbocharger is fitted to TDS, TD and TDSX models. Fuel Is drawn from the fuel tank to the fuel Injection pump by a vane-type transfer pump Incorporated in the fuel injection pump. Before reaching tho pump, the fuel passes through a fuel filter, where foreign matter and water aro removed. Excess fuel lubricates the moving components of the pump, and Is then returned to the tank. On turbo models with the Bosch fuel Injection systom, an eiectncally operated heater is incorporated In the fuel filter housing. The fuel injection pump is driven at half-crankshaft speed by the timing belt. The nigh pressure required to inject tho fuel into the compressed air in the swirl chambers Is achlovod by a cam plate acting on a single piston on the Bosch pumo, or by two opposed pistons forced together by rollers running in a cam ring on the Lucas (CAV) pump. Tlie fuel passes through acentral rotor with a single outlet drilling which aligns With ports leading to the Injector pipes. Fuel metering is controlled by a centrifugal governor, which reacts to accelerator pedal
position end engine speed. The governor is linked lo a metering valve, which increases or decreases the amount of fuel delivered at each pumping stroke. On turbocharged models, a separate device also Increases luel delivery with increasing boost pressure. Basic injection timing is determined when the pump is fitted. When the engine is running, it Is varied automatically to suit the prevailing engine speed by a mechanism which turns the cam plate or ring, Tho four fuel injectors proouco a homogeneous spray of fuel Into the swirl chambers located In the cylinder head. The Injectors are calibrated to open end close at critical pressures lo provide efficient and even combustion. Each injector needle is lubricated by fuel, which accumulates In the spring chamber and is channelled to the injection pump return hose by loak-off pipes Bosch or Lucas fuel system components mBy be fitted, depending on the model. Components from the latter manufacturer are marked either CAV. Roto-dlesel or Con-diesel. depending on their date and place of manufacture. With the exception of the fuel filter assembly, replacement components must be of tho same make as those originally fitted. Cold starting is assisted by preheater or glow plugs fitted to each swirl chamber. On the Bosch injection pump, an automatic cold Injection advance device operated through a thermal switch, advances the injection timing by Increasing the fuel pressure. The device operates at coolant temperatures below 55° C,
A stop solenoid cuts the fuel supply to V* Injection pump rotor when the ignition i switched off (see illustration) Provided that the specified maintenance* earned out. the fuel injection equipment #» give long and trouble-free service, ft* j injection pump itself may well outlast tlx ' engine, The main potential cause of damage j to the injection pump and injectors is dirt e water in the fuel. 1 Servicing of the injection pump and injectwi: j, is very limited for tho home mechanic, antf dismantling or adjustment other than thtf described In this Chapter must be entrusted to ' a Rat dealer or fuel Injection specialist.
Precautions

A


Warning: It Is necessary to takt I certain precautions when woriong , on the fuel system component^ particularly the fuel Injectors. Befon carrying out any operations on tho fuel system, refer to the precautions given* Safety first! at the beginning of Mis manual, and to any additional wamlrq notes at the start of the relevant
Sections.

2 Air cleaner and inlet system ^ • removal and refitting S
Removal 1 Remove the air cleaner element u described In Chapter 1B (see illustration).
1.9 Stop solenoid on the injection pump 2.1 Releasing the air cleaner cover clips

5A«2 Starting and charging systems
Maintenance-free battery -charging Note: The following is intended as a guide only. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations (often printed on a label attached to the battery) before charging a battery. 13 This battery type takes considerably longer lo fully recharge than the standard type, the time taken being dependent on the extent of discharge, but it can take anything
up
to three days. 14 A constant voltage type charger is required, tooe set, when connected, to 13.9 to 14.9 votts wth a charger current below 25 amps. Using
mis
method, the battery should be usable within three hours, giving a voltage reading of 12.5 vofts. but this Is for a partially discharged battery and, as mentioned, full charging can
take
considerably longer. 15 If Ihe battery is to be charged from a fully discharged state {condition reading loss lhan 12.2 volts), have it recharged by your FIAT dealer or local automotive electrician, as Ihe charge rate is higher and constant super-vision during charging Is necessary.
3 Battery -removal and refitting
Note: Refer to Disconnecting the battery in ifte Reference Section of this manual before proceeding.
Removal 1 Slacken the clamp bolts and disconnect the ctamp from the battery negative (earth) terminal. 2 Remove the insulation cover (where fitted)
and
disconnect the positive terminal lead(s) in
Die same
way. 3 At the base of the battery, unscrew the bolt from the battery holding clamp plate and remove the clamp plate (see Illustration). A Remove the battery from Ihe engine compartment. 5 II necessary the mounting tray may be removed by unscrewing the bolts. On diesel models it will be necessary to remove the relay guard bolts as well.
Refitting 6 Refitting is a reversal of removal but make sure that the positive terminal is connected first followed by the negative terminal.
4 Alternator/charging system - >%•> testing in vehicle
Note: Refer to the warnings given in Safety first! and in Section 1 of this Chapter before starting work. 1 If the ignition warning light fails to Illuminate when the ignition is switched on, first check the alternator wiring connections for security. If satisfactory, check that the warning light bulb has not blown, and that the bulbholder is secure in its location in the instrument panel. If the light still fails to illuminate, check the continuity of the warning light feed wire from the alternator to the bulbholder. If all is satisfactory, the alternator is at fault and should be renewed or taken to an auto-electrician for testing and repair. 2 If the ignition warning light Illuminates when the engine Is running, stop the engine and check that the drivebelt is correctly tensioned (see Chapter 1A or 18) and that the alternator connections are secure. If all is so far satisfactory, have the alternator checked by an auto-electrician. 3 If the alternator output is suspect even though the warning light functions correctly, the regulated voltage may be checked as follows. 4 Connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals and start the engine. 5 Increase the engine speed until the voltmeter reading remains steady; the reading should be approximately 12 to 13 volts, and no more than 14 volts. 6 Switch on as many electrical accessories (eg. the headlights, heated rear window and heater blower) as possible, and check that the alternator maintains the regulated voltage at around 13 to 14 volts. 7 If ihe regulated voltage is not as stated, the fault may be due to worn brushes, weak brush springs, e faulty voltage regulator, a faulty diode, a severed phase winding or worn or damaged slip rings. The alternator should be renewed or taken to an auto-electrician for testing and repair.
3.3 Removing the battery clamp plate
5 Alternator -removal and refitting
Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal {refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual). 2 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and support it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). Remove tho right-hand front roadwheel. 3 Remove Ihe Inner cover from under the right-hand wheelarch for access to tho right-hand side of the engine. 4 Disconnect the cables from the rear Of the alternator (see illustration).
Petrol models 5 Loosen the pivot and adjustment bolts then swivel the alternator towards the engine and slip off the drivebelt. Note that the position of the rpm sensor will prevent complete removal of the drivebelt from the crankshaft puiley. 6 Unscrew and remove the pivot and adjustment bolts then unscrew the upper slot-mounted bolt. Withdraw the alternator from the engine (see illustrations).
Diesel models 7 For additional working room, unclip and remove the upper timing belt cover then unbolt and remove the lower timing belt cover.
5.4 Cable connections on the rear of the alternator
5.6a Alternator adjustment and pivot bolts (petrol engine) B Adjuster bolt C Pivot bolt 5.6b Removing the alternator (petrol engine)

501
Chapter 5 PartC:
Preheating system - diesel models
Contents
Glow plugs - removal, inspection and refitting 2 Preheating system - description and testing 1 Preheating system control unit - removal and refitting 3
Degrees of difficulty

Ea3y, suitable
for &
novice with little
|| experience ^

Fairty easy,
suitable for beginner with
some experience
jQ
Fairty diffctit, ^
suitable
for competent
DIY
mechanic

Difficult, suitable for
experienced DIY JR mechanic ^
Very difficult, ^ suitable fbrexpertDfY JR or professional ^
Specifications
Torque wrench setting Nm ibf ft Heater glow plugs 15 11
1 Preheating system -description and testing
Description 1 Each swirl chamber has a heater plug (commonly called a glow plug) screwed into it. The plugs are electrically-operated before and during start-up when the engine is cold. 2 Electrical feed to the glow plugs Is controlled by a relay/timer unit. The coolant temperature determines the period of heating that takes place. 3 A warning light in the instnjment panel tells the driver that preheating is taking place. When the light goes out, the engine is ready to be started. The voltags supply to the glow plugs continues for several seconds after the light goes out, If no attempt is made to start, the timer then cuts off the supply, In order to avoid draining the battery and overheating the glow plugs.
Testing 4 If the system malfunctions, testing is ultimately by substitution of known good units, but some preliminary checks may be made as follows. 5 Connect a voltmeter or 12-volt test lamp between the glow plug supply cable and earth (engine or vehicle metal). Make sure that the live connection is kept clear of the engine and bodywork. 6 Have an assistant switch on the ignition, and check that vottage is applied to the glow plugs. Note the time for which the warning light Is lit. and the total time for which voltage Is applied before the system cuts out. Switch off the ignition. 7 At an under-bonnet temperature of 20°C. typical times noted should be 5 or 6 seconds for warning light operation, followed by a further 10 seconds supply after the light goes out. Warning light time will increase with lower temperatures and decrease with higher temp-eratures.
8 If there Is no supply at all, the relay or associated winng is at fault. 9 To locate a defective glow plug, disconnect the main supply cable and the interconnecting strap from the top of the glow plugs. Be careful not to drop the nuts and washers. 10 Use a continuity tester, or a 12-voH test lamp connected to the battery positive terminal, to check for continuity between each glow plug terminal and earth. The resistance of a glow plug in good condition is very low (less than 1 ohm), so if the test lamp does not light or the continuity tester shows a high resistance, the glow plug is certainly defective. 11 If an ammeter is available, the current draw of each glow plug can be checked. After an initial surge of 15 to 20 amps, each plug should draw approximately 12 amps. Any plug which draws much more or less than this is probably defective. 12 As a final check, the glow plugs can be removed and Inspected as described in the following Section.

11 *2 Bodywork and fittings
on vehicles with wax-based underbody protective coating, or the coating will be removed. Such vehicles should be inspected annually, preferably just prior lo Winter, when the underbody should be washed down, and any damage to the wax coating repaired. Ideally, a completely fresh coat should be applied. It would also be worth considering the use of such wax-based protection for injection into door panels, sills, box sections, etc, as an additional safeguard against rust damage, where such protection Is not provided by the vehicle manufacturer. After washing paintwork, wipe off with a chamois feather to give an unspotted clear finish. A coat of clear protective wax polish wilt give added protection against chemical pollutants in the air. If the paintwork sheen has duiled or oxidised, use a cleaner/polisher combination to restore the brilliance of the shine. This requires a little effort, but such dulling Is usually caused because regular washing has been neglected. Care needs to be taken with metallic paintwork, as special non-abrasive cleaner/polisher is required to avoid damage to the finish, Always check that the door and ventilator opening drain holes and pipes are completely clear, so that water can be drained out. Brightwork should be treated In the same way as paintwork. Windscreens and windows can be kept clear of the smeary film which often appears, by the use of proprietary glass cleaner. Nover use any form of wax or other body or chromium polish on glass.
Maintenance -upholstery and carpets
Mats and carpets should be brushed or vacuum-cleaned regularly, to keep them free of grit. If they are badly stained, remove them from the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging, and make quite sure they are dry before refitting. Seats and interior trim panels can be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth. If they do become stained (which can be more apparent on light-coloured upholstery), use a little liquid detergent and a soft nail brush lo scour the grime out of the grain of the material. Do not forget to keep the headlining clean in the same way as the upholstery. When using liquid cleaners inside the vehicle, do not over-wet the surfaces being cleaned. Excessive damp could get Into the seams and padded interior, causing stains, offensive odours or even rot.
If the Inside of the vehicle gets wet accidentally, tt Is worthwhile taking some trouble to dry ft out property, particularly where carpets an involved. Do not leave oil or electric heaters inside the vehicle for this purpose.
4 Minor body damage -repair
Repairs of minor scratches In bodywork If the scratch Is very superficial, and does not penetrate to the metal of the bodywork, repair is very simple. Lightly rub the area of the scratch with a paintwork renovator, or a very fine cutting paste, to remove loose paint from the scratch, and to clear the surrounding bodywork of wax polish, Rinse the area with clean water. Apply touch-up paint to ihe scratch using a fine paint brush; continue to apply fine layers of paint until the surface of the paint In the scratch Is level with the surrounding paintwork. Allow Ihe new paint at least two weeks to harden, then blend it Into the surrounding paintwork by rubbing the scratch area with a paintwork renovator or a very fine cutting paste. Finally, apply wax polish. Where the scratch has penetrated right through to the metal of the bodywork, causing the metal to rust, a different repair technique Is required. Remove any loose rust from the bottom of the scratch with a penknife, then apply rust-inhibiting paint to prevent the formation of rust in the future. Using a rubber or nylon applicator, fill the scratch with bodystopper paste. If required, this paste can be mixed with cellulose thinners to provide a very thin paste which is ideal for filling narrow scratches. Before the stopper-paste in Ihe scratch hardens, wrap a piece of smooth cotton rag around the top of a finger. Dip the finger in cellulose thinners, and quickly sweep it across the surface of the stopper-paste in the scratch: this will ensure that the surface of the stopper-paste is slightly hollowed. The scratch can now be painted over as described earlier In this Section.
Repairs of dents in bodywork When deop denting of the vehicle's bodywork has taken place, the first task is to put) the dent out. until the affected bodywork almost attains rts onginal shape. There is little polnl in trying to restore Ihe original shape completely, as the metal in the damaged area will have stretched on impact, and cannot be reshaped fully to its original contour. It Is better to bring the level of the dent up to a point which is about 3 mm below the level of the surrounding bodywork. In cases where Ihe dent is very shallow anyway, It is not worth trying to pull it out at all. If the underside of the dent is accessible, it can be hammered out gently from behind, using a mallet with a wooden or plastic head, Whilst doing this, hold a suitable block of wood firmly against (he outside of Ihe panel, to absorb the impact from the hammer blows and thus prevent a large area of the bodywork from being 'belled-out".
Should the dent be In a section of (I* bodywork which has a double skin, or seme other factor making It Inaccessible from behind, a different technique is called for. Dull several small holes through the metal inside Ihe area - particularly in the deeper section. Then screw long self-tapping screws Into the holes, just sufficiently for them to gain a good purchase in the metal. Now the dent can be pulled out by pulling on the protruding heads of the screws with a pair of pliers. The next stage of the repair Is the removal of the paint from the damaged area, and from an inch or so of the surrounding 'sound' bodywork. This is accomplished most easily by using a wire brush or abrasive pad on a posver drill, although it can be done just as effectively by hand, using sheets of abrasive paper. To complete the preparation for filling, score the surface of the bare metal wflhi screwdriver or the tang of 8 file, or alternatively, drill small holes In the affected area. This will provide a really good 'key' for the filler paste. To complete the repair, see the Section on filling and respraying.
Repairs of rust holes or gashes in bodywork Remove all paint from the affected area, and from an inch or so of the surrounding 'sound' bodywork, using an abrasive pad
or a
wire brush on a power drill. If these are not available, a few sheets of abrasive paper wil do the job most effectively. With the paint removed, you will be able to judge the severity of the corrosion, and therefore decide whether to renew the whole panel (if this is possible) or to repair the affected area. New body panels are not as expansive as most people think, and it is often quicker and more satisfactory to fit a new panel than to attempt to repair large areas of corrosion. Remove all fittings from Ihe affected area, except those which will act as a guide to ttie original shape of the damaged bodywork (eg headlight shells etc). Then, using tin snips
or a
hacksaw blade, remove all loose metal snd any other metal badly affected by corrosion. Hammer the edges of the hole inwards, in order to create a slight depression for the filer paste. Wire-brush the affected area to remove tha powdery rust from the surface of the remaining metal. Paint Ihe affected area with rust-inhibiting paint, if the beck of the rusted area is accessible, treat this also. Before filling can take place, ft will be necessary to block the hole in some
way.
TNs can be achieved by the use of aluminium cr plastic mesh, or aluminium tape. Aluminium or plastic mesh, or glass-fibre matting, is probably the best material to use for a large hole. Cut a piece to tha approximate size and shape of tho hole to b« filled, then position it In the hole so that its edges are below the level of the surrounding bodywork. It can be retained in position by