Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 1667

23 - 42 BODY DIAGNOSTIC AND PAINT PROCEDURES
B R
BODY
D I A G N O S T I C
AND PAINT
P R O C E D U R E S
INDEX
page
Base Coat/Clear Coat Finish 43
Paint 43
Painted Surface Touch-Up 43
WATER LEAKS
Water leaks can be caused by poor sealing, improper
body component alignment, body seam porosity, missing
plugs, or blocked drain holes. Centrifugal and gravita­
tional force can cause water to drip from a location
away from the actual leak point, making leak detection
difficult. All body sealing points should be water tight in
normal wet driving conditions. Water flowing downward
from the front of the vehicle should not enter the pas­
senger or luggage compartment. Moving sealing sur­
faces will not always seal water tight under all
conditions. At times, side glass or door seals will allow
water to enter the passenger compartment during high
pressure washing or hard driving rain (severe) condi­
tions. Over compensating on door or glass adjustments
to stop a water leak that occurs under severe conditions,
can cause premature seal wear and excessive closing or
latching effort. After completing a repair, water test ve­
hicle to verify leak has stopped before returning vehicle
to use.
VISUAL INSPECTION BEFORE WATER LEAK
TESTS
Verify that floor and body plugs are in place, body
drains are clear and body components are properly
aligned and sealed. If component alignment or seal­
ing is necessary, refer to the appropriate section of
this group for proper procedures.
WATER LEAfC TESTS
W A R N I N G : D O N O T U S E E L E C T R I C S H O P L I G H T S
O R
TOOLS
I N W A T E R
TEST
A R E A , P E R S O N A L I N ­
J U R Y C A N R E S U L T .
When the conditions causing a water leak has been
determined, simulate the conditions as closely as possi­
ble:
• If a leak occurs with the vehicle parked in a
steady light rain, flood the leak area with an open
ended garden hose.
• If a leak occurs while driving at highway speeds in a
steady rain, test the leak area with a reasonable veloc­
ity stream or fan spray of water. Direct the spray in the
direction comparable to actual conditions.
• If a leak occurs when the vehicle is parked on an in­
cline, hoist the end or side of the vehicle to simulate
page
Water Leaks 42
Wet Sanding,Buffing and Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Wind Noise 43
this condition. This method can be used when the leak
occurs when the vehicle accelerates, stops or turns. If
the leak occurs on acceleration, hoist the front of the ve­
hicle. If the leak occurs when braking, hoist the back of
the vehicle. If the leak occurs on left turns, hoist the left
side of the vehicle. If the leak occurs on right turns,
hoist the right side of the vehicle. For hoisting recom­
mendations refer to Group 0, Lubrication and Mainte­
nance, General Information section.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
To detect a water leak point of entry, do a water
test and watch for water tracks or droplets forming
on the inside of the vehicle. If necessary, remove in­
terior trim covers or panels to gain visual access to
the leak area. If the hose cannot be positioned with­
out being held, have someone help do the water test.
Some water leaks must be tested for a considerable
length of time to become apparent. When a leak ap­
pears, find the highest point of the water track or
drop. The highest point usually will show the point of
entry. After leak point has been found, repair the
leak and water test to verify that leak has stopped.
Locating the entry point of water that is leaking into
a cavity between panels can be difficult. The trapped
water splashes or runs from the cavity it is dammed up
in, often at a distance from the entry point. Most water
leaks of this type become apparent after accelerating,
stopping, turning, or when on a incline.
MIRROR INSPECTION METHOD
When a leak point area is visually obstructed, use
a suitable mirror to gain visual access. A mirror can
also be used to deflect light to a limited access area
to assist in locating a leak point.
BRIGHT LIGHT LEAK TEST METHOD
Some water leaks in the luggage compartment can be
detected without water testing. Position the vehicle in a
brightly light area. From inside the darkened luggage
compartment inspect around seals and body seams. If
necessary, have a helper direct a drop light over the
suspected leak areas around the luggage compartment.
If light is visible through a normally sealed location,
water could enter through the opening.