2001 CHRYSLER VOYAGER heating

CYLINDER HEAD
DESCRIPTION
The aluminum cylinder heads (Fig. 15) are
designed to create high flow combustion chambers to
improve performance, while minimizing the change
to the burn rate in the chamber. The cylinder head
incorporates the combustion chamber. Two valves
per-cylinder are used with inserted valve seats and
guides. A multi-layer steel (MLS) type gasket is used
between the cylinder head and engine block.
OPERATION
The cylinder head closes the combustion chamber,
allowing the pistons to compress the fuel/air mixture
for ignition. The valves are actuated by the lobe pro-
files on the camshaft to open and close at specified
duration to either allow clean air in the combustion
chamber or the exhaust gases out; depending on the
stroke of the engine.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTINGÐCYLINDER HEAD
GASKET
A cylinder head gasket leak can be located between
adjacent cylinders or between a cylinder and the
adjacent water jacket.
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between adjacent cylinders are:
²Loss of engine power
²Engine misfiring
²Poor fuel economy
Possible indications of the cylinder head gasket
leaking between a cylinder and an adjacent water
jacket are:
²Engine overheating
²Loss of coolant
²Excessive steam (white smoke) emitting from
exhaust
²Coolant foaming
Fig. 15 Cylinder Head and Components
1 - VALVE LOCKS 5 - SPRING SEATS
2 - RETAINERS 6 - CYLINDER HEAD
3 - VALVE SPRINGS 7 - VALVE - EXHAUST
4 - VALVE STEM SEALS 8 - VALVE - INTAKE
9 - 94 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS

(24) Disconnect egr solenoid vacuum line at brake
booster check valve.
(25) Disconnect fuel injector, cam sensor, boost
pressure/intake air temp sensor, fuel rail high pres-
sure, and egr solenoid connectors (Fig. 9).
(26) Disconnect generator electrical connectors.
(27) Disconnect coolant temp sensor and glow plug
electrical connectors.
(28) Disconnect injection pump and A/C compres-
sor electrical connectors.
(29) Disconnect starter electrical connectors.
(30) Disconnect ground wires at engine block.
(31) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(32) Disconnect oil temp sensor, oil pressure sen-
sor, engine speed sensor, and vehicle speed sensor
electrical connector (Fig. 10).
(33) Remove front wheels.
(34) Remove the suspension cradle assembly (Refer
to 13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/ENGINE
CRADLE CROSSMEMBER - REMOVAL).
(35) Remove both axle shaft assemblies (Refer to 3
- DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
REMOVAL).(36) Disconnect the clutch slave cylinder quick dis-
connect line (RHD only)(Refer to 6 - CLUTCH/SLAVE
CYLINDER - REMOVAL).
(37) Disconnect reverse lamp connector.
(38) Disconnect shifter cables at the tranmission
(Refer to 21 - TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MAN-
UAL/GEAR SHIFT CABLE - REMOVAL).
(39) Disconnect exhaust pipe from the turbo-
charger downpipe and reposition to right side of vehi-
cle.
(40) Disconnect cabin heater coolant line (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CABIN
HEATER/HEATER UNIT - REMOVAL).
(41) Remove front engine mount bracket retaining
bolts from lower radiator support
(42) Lower vehicle. Evacuate the A/C system
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(43) Disconnect the A/C lines at the A/C compres-
sor.
(44) Disconnect the fuel supply and return lines.
(45) Position engine cradle under engine and lower
vehicle over cradle.
(46) Remove right engine mount bolts.
Fig. 7 CHARGE AIR COOLER HOSES
1 - COOLING MODULE
2 - BYPASS HOSE
3 - UPPER RADIATOR HOSE
4 - CHARGE AIR COOLER OULET HOSE
5 - CHARGE AIR COOLER INLET HOSE
6 - LOWER RADIATOR HOSE
7 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
Fig. 8 UPPER AND LOWER RADIATOR HOSES
1 - COOLANT BYPASS HOSE
2 - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
3 - UPPER RADIATOR HOSE
4 - COOLING FAN
5 - LOWER RADIATOR HOSE
6 - CHARGE AIR COOLER
7 - RADIATOR BRACKET
RGENGINE 2.5L TURBO DIESEL9a-5
ENGINE 2.5L TURBO DIESEL (Continued)

(7) Attach front engine mount bracket to lower
radiator support. Torque to 54N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
(8) Connect cabin heater coolant hose.
(9) Connect exhaust pipe to the turbocharger
downpipe flange. Torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
(10) Connect reverse lamp electrical connector at
transmission.
(11) Connect both shifter cables (Refer to 21 -
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL/GEAR
SHIFT CABLE - INSTALLATION).
(12) Connect the clutch slave cylinder quick dis-
connect connector (RHD only)(Refer to 6 - CLUTCH/
SLAVE CYLINDER - INSTALLATION).
(13) Install engine harness into bracket on trans-
mission.
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Connect fuel supply and return lines.
(16) Connect A/C lines to A/C compressor. Torque
to 23N´m (17 ft. lbs.)
(17) Route engine wiring harnes to proper location.
(18) Connect engine harness ground cables to
engine block
(19) Connect starter solenoid electrical connector
and battery feed wire to starter. Torque to 10N´m (90
in. lbs.)
(20) Connect A/C compressor, injection pump, glow
plugs, and coolant temperature sensor electrical con-
nectors.
(21) Connect generator electrical connector. Torque
to 9N´m (75 in. lbs.)
(22) Connect the fuel injector, fuel pressure sensor,
boost pressure/intake air temp sensor, cam sensor,
and egr solenoid electrical connectors (Fig. 9).
(23) Connect egr solenoid vacuum supply line to
brake boost vacuum supply line.
(24) Connect brake booster vacuum supply line.
(25) Connect heater core return hose to coolant
pipe.
(26) Connect lower radiator hose to engine (Fig. 8).
(27) Install charger air cooler inlet hose (Fig. 7).
(28) Install charge air cooler outlet hose (Fig. 7).
(29) Connect upper radiator hose to engine (Fig.
8).
(30) Install battery shield.
(31) Install coolant reserve pressure container
(Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/COOLANT RECOV-
ERY PRESS CONTAINER - INSTALLATION).
(32) Install power steering reservoir and bracket
(Fig. 5).
(33) Raise vehicle
(34) Connect oil pressure sensor, oil temperature
sensor, engine speed sensor, and vehicle speed sensor
electrical connector (Fig. 10).(35) Install suspension cradle in vehicle (Refer to
13 - FRAME & BUMPERS/FRAME/ENGINE CRA-
DLE CROSSMEMBER - INSTALLATION).
(36) Install both axle shaft assemblies (Refer to 3 -
DIFFERENTIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT -
INSTALLATION).
(37) Connect the power steering supply, pressure,
and return lines to power steering pump (Fig. 5).
(38) Install the power steering line brackets on oil
pan (Fig. 5).
(39) Install lower splash shield and side panels.
(40) Install both front wheel and tire assemblies.
(41) Lower vehicle.
(42) Install air cleaner housing, MAF sensor, and
air intake tube assembly (Fig. 4).
(43) Refill transmission to proper level (Refer to 21
- TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE/MANUAL/FLUID -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(44) Refill engine coolant (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/COOLANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(45) Recharge A/C system (Refer to 24 - HEATING
& AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING/REFRIGER-
ANT - STANDARD PROCEDURE) .
(46) Install engine cover (Refer to 9 - ENGINE -
INSTALLATION) (Fig. 3).
(47) Connect negative battery cable.
INSTALLATION - ENGINE COVER
(1) Install engine cover on engine.
(2) Install the engine cover mounting bolts (Fig.
11).
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS - 2.5L COMMON RAIL
DIESEL ENGINE
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Type R2516C
Number of Cylinders 4
Bore 92 mm
Stroke 94 mm
Displacement 2499.5cc
Injection Order 1-3-4-2
Compression Ratio 17.5:1 (  0.5)
Maximum Power 103kW (140 HP) @ 4000
RPM
Peak Torque 340Nm (34.6 kgm) @
1800 RPM
RGENGINE 2.5L TURBO DIESEL9a-7
ENGINE 2.5L TURBO DIESEL (Continued)

momentarily turn off the injectors. This helps
improve fuel economy, emissions and engine braking.
WIDE-OPEN-THROTTLE MODE
This is an OPEN LOOP mode. During wide-open-
throttle operation, the following inputs are used by
the PCM:
²Inlet/Intake air temperature
²Engine coolant temperature
²Engine speed
²Knock sensor
²Manifold absolute pressure
²Throttle position
When the PCM senses a wide-open-throttle condi-
tion through the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) it de-
energizes the A/C compressor clutch relay. This
disables the air conditioning system.
The PCM does not monitor the heated oxygen sen-
sor inputs during wide-open-throttle operation except
for downstream heated oxygen sensor and both
shorted diagnostics. The PCM adjusts injector pulse
width to supply a predetermined amount of addi-
tional fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH OFF MODE
When the operator turns the ignition switch to the
OFF position, the following occurs:
²All outputs are turned off, unless 02 Heater
Monitor test is being run. Refer to the Emission sec-
tion for On-Board Diagnostics.
²No inputs are monitored except for the heated
oxygen sensors. The PCM monitors the heating ele-
ments in the oxygen sensors and then shuts down.
FUEL CORRECTION or ADAPTIVE MEMORIES
DESCRIPTION
In Open Loop, the PCM changes pulse width with-
out feedback from the O2 Sensors. Once the engine
warms up to approximately 30 to 35É F, the PCM
goes into closed loopShort Term Correctionand
utilizes feedback from the O2 Sensors. Closed loop
Long Term Adaptive Memoryis maintained above
170É to 190É F unless the PCM senses wide open
throttle. At that time the PCM returns to Open Loop
operation.
OPERATION
Short Term
The first fuel correction program that begins func-
tioning is the short term fuel correction. This system
corrects fuel delivery in direct proportion to the read-
ings from the Upstream O2 Sensor.The PCM monitors the air/fuel ratio by using the
input voltage from the O2 Sensor. When the voltage
reaches its preset high or low limit, the PCM begins
to add or remove fuel until the sensor reaches its
switch point. The short term corrections then begin.
The PCM makes a series of quick changes in the
injector pulse-width until the O2 Sensor reaches its
opposite preset limit or switch point. The process
then repeats itself in the opposite direction.
Short term fuel correction will keep increasing or
decreasing injector pulse-width based upon the
upstream O2 Sensor input. The maximum range of
authority for short term memory is 25% (+/-) of base
pulse-width.
Long Term
The second fuel correction program is the long
term adaptive memory. In order to maintain correct
emission throughout all operating ranges of the
engine, a cell structure based on engine rpm and load
(MAP) is used.
Ther number of cells varies upon the driving con-
ditions. Two cells are used only during idle, based
upon TPS and Park/Neutral switch inputs. There
may be two other cells used for deceleration, based
on TPS, engine rpm, and vehicle speed. The other
twelve cells represent a manifold pressure and an
rpm range. Six of the cells are high rpm and the
other six are low rpm. Each of these cells is a specific
MAP voltage range .
As the engine enters one of these cells the PCM
looks at the amount of short term correction being
used. Because the goal is to keep short term at 0 (O2
Sensor switching at 0.5 volt), long term will update
in the same direction as short term correction was
moving to bring the short term back to 0. Once short
term is back at 0, this long term correction factor is
stored in memory.
The values stored in long term adaptive memory
are used for all operating conditions, including open
loop. However, the updating of the long term memory
occurs after the engine has exceeded approximately
17É F, with fuel control in closed loop and two min-
utes of engine run time. This is done to prevent any
transitional temperature or start-up compensations
from corrupting long term fuel correction.
Long term adaptive memory can change the pulse-
width by as much as 25%, which means it can correct
for all of short term. It is possible to have a problem
that would drive long term to 25% and short term to
another 25% for a total change of 50% away from
base pulse-width calculation.
RSFUEL INJECTION14-19
FUEL INJECTION (Continued)

The downstream heated oxygen sensor threads into
the outlet pipe at the rear of the catalytic convertor
(Fig. 19).
OPERATION
Separate controlled ground circuits are run
through the PCM for the upstream O2 sensors.
As vehicles accumulate mileage, the catalytic con-
vertor deteriorates. The deterioration results in a
less efficient catalyst. To monitor catalytic convertor
deterioration, the fuel injection system uses two
heated oxygen sensors. One sensor upstream of the
catalytic convertor, one downstream of the convertor.
The PCM compares the reading from the sensors to
calculate the catalytic convertor oxygen storage
capacity and converter efficiency. Also, the PCM uses
the upstream heated oxygen sensor input when
adjusting injector pulse width.
When the catalytic converter efficiency drops below
emission standards, the PCM stores a diagnostic
trouble code and illuminates the malfunction indica-
tor lamp (MIL).
The O2S produce voltages from 0 to 1 volt, depend-
ing upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in
the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of oxy-
gen is present (caused by a lean air/fuel mixture), the
sensors produces a low voltage. When there is a
lesser amount present (rich air/fuel mixture) it pro-
duces a higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen
content and converting it to electrical voltage, the
sensors act as a rich-lean switch.The oxygen sensors are equipped with a heating
element that keeps the sensors at proper operating
temperature during all operating modes. Maintaining
correct sensor temperature at all times allows the
system to enter into closed loop operation sooner.
Also, it allows the system to remain in closed loop
operation during periods of extended idle.
In Closed Loop operation the PCM monitors the
O2S input (along with other inputs) and adjusts the
injector pulse width accordingly. During Open Loop
operation the PCM ignores the O2 sensor input. The
PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on prepro-
grammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sen-
sors.
The Automatic Shutdown (ASD) relay supplies bat-
tery voltage to both the upstream and downstream
heated oxygen sensors. The oxygen sensors are
equipped with a heating element. The heating ele-
ments reduce the time required for the sensors to
reach operating temperature.
UPSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
The input from the upstream heated oxygen sensor
tells the PCM the oxygen content of the exhaust gas.
Based on this input, the PCM fine tunes the air-fuel
ratio by adjusting injector pulse width.
The sensor input switches from 0 to 1 volt, depend-
ing upon the oxygen content of the exhaust gas in
the exhaust manifold. When a large amount of oxy-
gen is present (caused by a lean air-fuel mixture), the
sensor produces voltage as low as 0.1 volt. When
there is a lesser amount of oxygen present (rich air-
fuel mixture) the sensor produces a voltage as high
as 1.0 volt. By monitoring the oxygen content and
converting it to electrical voltage, the sensor acts as
a rich-lean switch.
The heating element in the sensor provides heat to
the sensor ceramic element. Heating the sensor
allows the system to enter into closed loop operation
sooner. Also, it allows the system to remain in closed
loop operation during periods of extended idle.
In Closed Loop, the PCM adjusts injector pulse
width based on the upstream heated oxygen sensor
input along with other inputs. In Open Loop, the
PCM adjusts injector pulse width based on prepro-
grammed (fixed) values and inputs from other sen-
sors.
DOWNSTREAM OXYGEN SENSOR
The downstream heated oxygen sensor input is
used to detect catalytic convertor deterioration. As
the convertor deteriorates, the input from the down-
stream sensor begins to match the upstream sensor
input except for a slight time delay. By comparing
the downstream heated oxygen sensor input to the
Fig. 19 O2 SENSOR DOWNSTREAM 1/2 - 2.4/3.3/
3.8L
1 - 1/2 02S
2 - 1/1 02S
RSFUEL INJECTION14-31
O2 SENSOR (Continued)

FLUID
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID LEVEL AND
CONDITION CHECK
NOTE: Only transmission fluid of the type labeled
Mopar ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid±Type
9602) should be used in this transaxle.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK
The transmission sump has a fluid level indicator
(dipstick) to check oil similar to most automatic
transmissions. It is located on the left side of the
engine. Be sure to wipe all dirt from dipstick handle
before removing.
The torque converter fills in both the P Park and N
Neutral positions. Place the selector lever in P Park
to be sure that the fluid level check is accurate.The
engine should be running at idle speed for at
least one minute, with the vehicle on level
ground.At normal operating temperature (approxi-
mately 82 C. or 180 F.), the fluid level is correct if it
is in the HOT region (cross-hatched area) on the oil
level indicator (Fig. 214). The fluid level should be
within the WARM range of the dipstick at 70É F fluid
temperature.
FLUID LEVEL CHECK USING DRB
NOTE: Engine and Transaxle should be at normal
operating temperature before performing this proce-
dure.
(1) Start engine and apply parking brake.
(2) Hook up DRB scan tool and select transmis-
sion.(3) Select sensors.
(4) Read the transmission temperature value.
(5) Compare the fluid temperature value with the
fluid temperature chart (Fig. 215).
(6) Adjust transmission fluid level shown on the
indicator according to the chart.
(7) Check transmission for leaks.
Low fluid level can cause a variety of conditions
because it allows the pump to take in air along with
the fluid. As in any hydraulic system, air bubbles
make the fluid spongy, therefore, pressures will be
low and build up slowly.
Improper filling can also raise the fluid level too
high. When the transaxle has too much fluid, the
gears churn up foam and cause the same conditions
which occur with a low fluid level.
In either case, air bubbles can cause overheating
and/or fluid oxidation, and varnishing. This can
interfere with normal valve, clutch, and accumulator
operation. Foaming can also result in fluid escaping
from the transaxle vent where it may be mistaken
for a leak.
FLUID CONDITION
Along with fluid level, it is important to check the
condition of the fluid. When the fluid smells burned,
and is contaminated with metal or friction material
particles, a complete transaxle recondition is proba-
bly required. Be sure to examine the fluid on the dip-
stick closely. If there is any doubt about its condition,
drain out a sample for a double check.
Moparž ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid-
Type 9602) when new is red in color. The ATF is dyed
red so it can be identified from other fluids used in
the vehicle such as engine oil or antifreeze. The red
color is not permanent and is not an indicator of fluid
condition. As the vehicle is driven, the ATF will begin
to look darker in color and may eventually become
brown. This is normal. A dark brown/black fluid
accompanied with a burnt odor and/or deterioration
in shift quality may indicate fluid deterioration or
transmission component failure.
After the fluid has been checked, seat the dipstick
fully to seal out water and dirt.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - FLUID AND FILTER
SERVICE
NOTE: Refer to the maintenance schedules in
LUBRICATION and MAINTENANCE, or the vehicle
owner's manual, for the recommended maintenance
(fluid/filter change) intervals for this transaxle.
Fig. 214 Transaxle Fluid Level Indicator
1 - TRANSAXLE DIPSTICK
21 - 246 AUTOMATIC - 41TERS

CLEANING - TIRES
Before delivery of a vehicle, remove the protective
coating on the tires with white sidewalls or raised
white letters. To remove the protective coating, apply
warm water and let it soak for a few minutes. After-
wards, scrub the coating away with a soft bristle
brush. Steam cleaning may also be used to remove
the coating.
CAUTION: DO NOT use gasoline, mineral oil, oil-
based solvent or a wire brush for cleaning.
WHEELS
DESCRIPTION - WHEEL
Original equipment wheels are designed for proper
operation at all loads up to the specified maximum
vehicle capacity.
All models use either steel or aluminum drop-cen-
ter wheels. Every wheel has raised sections between
the rim flanges and rim drop well called safety
humps (Fig. 23). Initial inflation of the tires forces
the bead over these raised sections. In case of air
loss, the safety humps hold the tire in position on the
wheel until the vehicle can be brought to a safe stop.
Cast aluminum wheels require special balance
weights to fit on the flange of the rim (Fig. 24).
When wheel alignment is necessary on a vehicle
with cast aluminum wheels, special wheel clamps are
required to avoid damage to the wheel's finish.The wheel studs and nuts are designed for specific
wheel applications and must be replaced with equiv-
alent parts.
All aluminum wheels have wheel mounting (lug)
nuts with an enlarged nose. This enlarged nose is
necessary to ensure proper retention of the wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - WHEEL
INSPECTION
Inspect wheels for:
²Excessive runout
²Dents, cracks or irregular bends
²Damaged wheel stud (lug) holes
²Air Leaks
NOTE: Do not attempt to repair a wheel by hammer-
ing, heating or welding.
If a wheel is damaged, an original equipment
replacement wheel should be used. When obtaining
replacement wheels, they should be equivalent in
load carrying capacity. The diameter, width, offset,
pilot hole and bolt circle of the wheel should be the
same as the original wheel.
WARNING: FAILURE TO USE EQUIVALENT
REPLACEMENT WHEELS MAY ADVERSELY
AFFECT THE SAFETY AND HANDLING OF THE
VEHICLE.
WARNING: REPLACEMENT WITH USED WHEELS IS
NOT RECOMMENDED. THE SERVICE HISTORY OF
THE WHEEL MAY HAVE INCLUDED SEVERE TREAT-
MENT OR VERY HIGH MILEAGE. THE RIM COULD
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING.
Fig. 23 Safety Rim
1 - TIRE
2 - WELL
3 - SAFETY HUMPS
4 - FLANGE
Fig. 24 Styled Aluminum Wheel Weight
1 - TIRE
2 - WHEEL
3 - STYLED WHEEL WEIGHT
RSTIRES/WHEELS22-13
TIRES (Continued)

moldings. After each length is applied, drive the vehi-
cle. If noise goes away after a piece of tape is applied,
remove tape, locate, and repair defect.
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF WIND NOISE
²Moldings standing away from body surface can
catch wind and whistle.
²Gaps in sealed areas behind overhanging body
flanges can cause wind-rushing sounds.
²Misaligned movable components.
²Missing or improperly installed plugs in pillars.
²Weld burn through holes.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PLASTIC BODY
PANEL REPAIR
Resin Transfer Molded (RTM) body panels are rein-
forced with a continuous fiberglass mesh. Epoxy
resin is injected into a gel-coated and fiberglass lined
mold to form a body panel. Sheet molded compound
(SMC) body panels are constructed with fiberglass
strands usually 1 inch or shorter, epoxy resin formed
into sheet stock and pressed in mold flowing material
to form a sheet molded compound (SMC) body panel.
RTM and SMC body panels can be repaired with
epoxy adhesive after market products. Refer to
instructions provided by the manufacturer of prod-
ucts being used to repair RTM or SMC.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation recommends that a
trained automotive body technician perform body
panel repair procedures (Fig. 1).
SAFETY PRECAUTION AND WARNINGS
WARNING: EYE PROTECTION SHOULD BE USED
WHEN SERVICING RTM AND SMC COMPONENTS.
PERSONAL INJURE CAN RESULT.USE AN OSHA
APPROVED BREATHING DEVICE WHEN MIXING
EPOXY, GRINDING RTM AND SMC, AND SPRAYING
PAINT OR SOLVENTS IN A CONFINED AREA. PER-
SONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.AVOID PROLONGEDSKIN CONTACT WITH EPOXY RESIN, PETROLEUM,
OR ALCOHOL BASED SOLVENTS. PERSONAL
INJURY CAN RESULT.DO NOT VENTURE UNDER A
HOISTED VEHICLE THAT IS NOT PROPERLY SUP-
PORTED ON SAFETY STANDS. PERSONAL INJURY
CAN RESULT.
²When holes must be drilled or cut in body pan-
els, verify locations of internal body components and
electrical wiring. Damage to vehicle can result.
²Do not use abrasive chemicals or compounds on
undamaged painted surfaces around repair areas.
Damage to finish can result.
If it is required to section a large panel for an SMC
or RTM repair, it will be necessary to reinforce the
panel with epoxy structural adhesive (rigid repair
adhesive) (Fig. 2). To bond two plastic panels
together, a reinforcement must overlap both panels.
The panels must be ªV'dº at a 20 degree angle. The
area to be reinforced should be washed, then sanded.
Be sure to wipe off any excess soap and water when
finished. Lightly sand or abrade the plastic with an
abrasive pad or sandpaper. Blow off any dust with
compressed air or wipe with a clean dry rag.
When bonding SMC or RTM panels, use a two-part
epoxy adhesive. Properly mix parts A and B, and
apply it to the panels being repaired. Be sure that
enough adhesive has been applied to allow squeeze
out and to fill the full bond line. Once the pieces
have been brought together, do not move them until
the adhesive is cured. The assembly can be held
together with clamps, rivets, etc. A faster cure can be
obtained by heating with a heat lamp or heat gun.
After the parts have been bonded and have had
time to cure, rough sand the seam and apply the
final adhesive filler to the area being repaired.
Fig. 1 Panel Repair
Fig. 2 Panel Sectioning
1 - EXISTING PANEL
2 - NEW PANEL
3 - PANEL ADHESIVE
4 - BONDING STRIP
23 - 4 BODYRS
BODY (Continued)