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Aluminum Engine - Gasket Surface Preparation

NO: 09-09-97

GROUP: Engine

DATE: Dec. 19, 1997

SUBJECT:
Gasket Surface Preparation On Aluminum Engine Components

MODELS:
1995 (AA) Acclaim/Spirit
1995 (AJ) Lebaron Convertible
1995 (AS) Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country
1995 - 1998 (FJ) Avenger/Sebring/Talon
1995 - 1998 (JA) Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus
1996 - 1998 (JX) Sebring Convertible
1995 - 1998 (LH) Concorde/Intrepid/Vision/LHS/New Yorker
1996 - 1998 (NS) Caravan/Voyager/Town & Country
1995 - 1998 (PL) Neon
1997 (PR) Prowler

DISCUSSION:
Many aluminum engine components are being received by the material return center with gouges, scratches, and out of flat conditions on the sealing surface. Caution must be exercised when cleaning aluminum engine components. The use of solvents and plastic or wooden scrapers are the only approved methods for removing gasket material.

NOTE:
DO NOT USE METAL SCRAPERS GRINDING DISCS OR ABRASIVES TO CLEAN ALUMINUM ENGINE COMPONENTS. DAMAGE TO THE SEALING SURFACE WILL OCCUR.

Engine components received by the material return center will be evaluated for appropriate gasket removal procedures. Components returned with obvious damage caused by improper gasket removal procedures may be denied for warranty reimbursement.

POLICY: Information Only