Pontiac Fiero 1988 Service Manual page 1276

GENERAL INFORMATION 1J-3
If the general leak area can be found, the exact
entry point can be quickly isolated by use of a localized
test such as a water hose or air hose. If the leak source
is not obvious, the generalized testing method using
watertest equipment such as the watertest stands
shown in Figures 4 and 5 should be used. It may be
necessary to remove some interior trim panels or
components to locate and confirm repairs.
Fig. 4-Watertest Stands Positioned for Front End
Watertest
GENERALIZED T E S T I N G
Specifications for construction of the watertest
stand are shown in Figure 6.
If the specified water pressure of 155 kPa (22 psi)
cannot be obtained because of a local situation, both
test stands may be moved toward body until water
spray overlap can be obtained.
LOCALIZED T E S T I N G ( S P O T T E S T )
Localized testing may be made with either water
or air. Begin test at the base of the suspected area and
continue up slowly until the leak is located.
Important
Pinpoint the leak area before any repair is made.
Random repair may only temporarily restrict water
entry and make future diagnosis and repair more
difficult.
Continue localized testing in the same general
area to confirm that all leaks have been located.
WATER HOSE TEST
• Have a helper inside the car to detect the actual
leak point (Figs. 7 and 8).
m Use unrestricted water flow (no nozzle).
m Begin at base of suspected leak area and move
upward slowly.
AIR HOSE TEST
• Apply bubble solution (liquid soap) to suspected
area (Fig. 9).
m Apply air pressure with an air hose from inside
vehicle. Do not exceed 205 kPa (30 psi)
• Observe for bubbles on outside at suspected leak
area.
WATERLEAK REPAIR
To locate the exact leak point, or to repair the
leak, it may be necessary to remove some interior trim
panels or components.
• Windshield and back window
Repair with adhesive caulking kit no. 9636067 or
equivalent as described in Section 2J.
m Shroud area leaks
Metal joint area leak - use a brushable seam
sealer (or equivalent) which can be painted.
Sealed components such as ventilation ducts - use
3M Auto Bedding and Glazing Compound (or
equivalent).
Important
Water entry through the high level ventilation
ducts may be due to a damaged duct shroud vent
screen or a blockage in the shroud drain.
j
Windshield pillar drip molding - use 3M Auto
Bedding and Glazing Compound (or equivalent)
> Metal joints rear compartment
Small cracks or pin holes - use 3M Drip-Chek
sealer (or equivalent).
Larger holes - use 3M Ail-Around Autobody
Sealant No. 8500 (or equivalent).
Inspect
For proper repair
After completion of any waterleak repair, the
general area should be retested using the watertest
stand. Do not use air hose or water hose to test repaired
areas as the repair material may dislodge under
abnormal pressure.
A N T I C 0 R R 0 S I 0 N TREATMENT
The use of urethane and fiberglass exterior panels
and wheelhouse liner and splash shields has greatly
reduced the potential for corrosion. Some galvanized
metal is used, and special metal conditioners and
primers are used on surfaces in areas where moisture
might accumulate. Sealers are applied along exposed
joints.
Any procedure that disturbs these treatments,
such as collision damage repair operations, may leave
the metal unprotected and result in corrosion.
Therefore, proper recoating of the surfaces with
service-type anticorrosion material is an essential
function of the repair operation and cannot be
overemphasized.
Metal conditioners and primer coatings are
applied to all metal panels at the time of vehicle
manufacture. After repair and/or replacement part
installation, all accessible bare metal surfaces must be
treated with metal conditioner and reprimed using an
acrylic chromate material. This operation is to be
performed prior to the application of sealers, deadeners
and antirust compounds.
Sealers are applied to specific joints during
manufacture. These sealers are intended to prevent
water and dust from entering the car and also perform
as anticorrosion barriers. The originally sealed joints
are obvious and any damage to these sealed locations