Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Tracing Powder or Chalk Test



Tracing Powder or Chalk Test

Clean the weatherstrips and the contact surfaces with cleaning solvent.

1. Apply powder or chalk in an unbroken line to the contact surface of the weatherstrip surrounding the perimeter of the suspected areas.
2. Close the panel completely without slamming the panel. Closing the panel completely presses the weatherstrip firmly against the mating surface.
3. Inspect the applied line on the weatherstrip. The applied line is marred where contact is good. A corresponding imprint is on the mating surfaces.
4. Gaps or irregularities in the powder or the chalk line on the mating surfaces indicate the areas with a poor seal.