Campaign - Cam Bore Plug Sealing
83mitsubishi01SUBJECT:
1983 2.6L CAM BORE PLUG RECALL (Circular Packing)
RECALL
NUMBER 83E-26L
BULLETIN NUMBER RC-83E26L-01 ISSUE
DATE 3/21/83
MODELS All 2.6L equip MMSA vehicles MODEL YEAR 1983
PAGE Page 1 OF 5
DESCRIPTION: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ("MMC") in Japan has determined that those vehicles equipped with a 2.6L engine (Starion, SPX 2WD Truck, SPX 4WD Truck) may experience an oil leak from the cam bore plug (circular packing) located at the rear of the cylinder head. Over a period of time and after several thousand miles, it is possible for the circular packing to fail, allowing the loss of engine oil and possible engine damage.
CORRECTION: To correct this potential oil leak, MMC has announced a voluntary recall for the application of epoxy sealant on the existing circular packing or the replacement of the circular packing in conjunction with the epoxy sealant.
VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Starions, SPX 2WD Trucks, and SPX 4WD Trucks produced through November 1982. Refer to production plate on the driver's "B" post.
DEALER ACTION: 1. Mitsubishi Motors dealers must apply the epoxy sealant to all affected vehicles currently in dealer inventory.
2. Mitsubishi Motors dealers must provide a priority work schedule for the application of epoxy sealant or fhe replacement and resealing of the circular packing.
3. The application of the epoxy sealant or replacement and resealing of the circular packing shall be on a no-charge basis for parts and labor to the consumer.
4. Mitsubishi Motors dealers must submit a Recall Claim form (MSSF-005D-00) for reimbursement and to receive credit on our Recall Completion Report.
CONSUMER NOTIFICATION:
MMSA will notify each owner of a Starion, SPX 2WD Truck, or SPX 4WD Truck during the last two weeks of March 1983 (see sample Customer Notification Letter).
PARTS AVAILABILITY:
Each Mitsubishi Motors Dealer has been shipped an initial supply of circular packings and epoxy kits. Additional parts requirements should be ordered on an "as needed" basis.
RECALL CLAIM SUBMISSION:
Labor and parts expense incurred during the resealing operation must be submitted on a Recall Claim Form (MSSF-005D-00) as outlined on the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual.
Labor Operation No.: Starion....... C8301C04
SPX 2WD Truck....... C8301P04 SPX 4WD Truck........ C8301K04
Time Allowance: Epoxy Only.........0.2 Hours Circular Packing Replacement per Bulletin 0.2 Hours
Part Numbers: Epoxy Kit........ AST3ZC1X01 Circular Packing.......... MD026536
Parts Prices Epoxy Kit............. $3.75
(Dealer Cost) Circular Packing............ $1.72
1983 2.6L CAM BORE PLUG RECALL
SUBJECT: 2.6L Engine Cam Bore Plug Sealing Procedure
MODELS AFFECTED: 1983 Starion and 1983 2.6L Truck Built Through November, 1982
GENERAL INFORMATION
A cam shaft boring hole at the back of the cylinder head and cover of the 2.6L engine is sealed with a synthetic rubber plug (circular packing) held in place by sealant. Starions and trucks produced through November 1982 did not have the proper sealant, and on some of them, the plug can work loose and cause an oil leak.
Because it is not possible to identify which vehicles have improperly-sealed plugs, all plugs must be resealed using the sealing epoxy and procedure described in this bulletin. Vehicles produced after November 1982 all have the proper sealant. In February, 1983, a design change to the plug insures positive mechanical retention as well.
Please follow the procedure carefully. Use only the sealing epoxy furnished, because other materials do not have the necessary high temperature resistance and expansion characteristics.
PROCEDURE
1. Determine that the vehicle was produced during or earlier than November 1982 by checking the certification plate on the left door pillar.
2. If the vehicle is a truck, confirm that it has a 2.6L engine. Trucks equipped with a 2.6L engine have a "7" as the eighth digit of the VIN.
FIGURE 1 - LOCATION OF CAMSHAFT HOLE PLUG:
3. Examine carefully the plug area at the rear of the engine cylinder head. See Figure 1. Look for evidence of oil leakage and the position of the plug. If the plug is in position and no oil is leaking, proceed to step 4. If the plug appears to be misplaced, or oil is leaking or seeping, proceed to step 5.
FIGURE 2 - DETAIL OF REAR FACE:
NOTE:
There is also a core hole plug at the rear of the cylinder head, below the camshaft hole. Do not inadvertently mistake the core plug for the camshaft bore plug. See Figure 2.
FIGURE 3 - CLEANING THE AREA WITH THINNER:
4.
a) Without removing the valve cover, clean the surface of the plug and the surrounding bore with thinner (Figure 3) to remove all traces of dirt and oil. The surface of the plug and the sides of the hole must be clean and oil-free in order for the sealant to adhere.
FIGURE 4 - APPLYING SEALANT:
b) Mix equal parts of sealing epoxy and apply as shown in Figure 4.
c) If the engine is not already warm, run until warm to hasten the cure of the sealant.
NOTE:
At 70~F the sealant cures in 12 hours. At 280~F, it cures in 3 minutes.
FIGURE 5 - REMOVING PLUG:
MISPLACED OR LEAKING PLUG:
5.
a) Remove the plug from the bore with an ice pick or similar tool. See Figure 5.
FIGURE 6 - CLEANING BORE WITH THINNER:
b) Clean the plug bore with thinner to remove the dirt and oil (Figure 6). The bore must be clean and oil-free in order for the sealant to adhere.
c) Mix equal parts of sealing epoxy.
FIGURE 7 - INSTALLING PLUG:
d) Install a new plug, P.N. MD026536, as in Figure 7, after first applying sealant to its edges. Do not attempt to re-use the old plug.
FIGURE 8 - COMPLETION:
e) Apply sealant around the installed plug as shown in Figure 8.
f) If the engine is not already warm, run until worm to hasten the cure of the sealant.
PARTS REQUIRED
MD026536 CIRCULAR PACKING (Only if old plug is leaking, deformed and loose)
AST3ZC1X01 SEALANT (One kit-two tubes-per vehicle)
SAMPLE LETTER
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. has an ongoing program of quality audits for in-use vehicles. These audits are designed to provide Mitsubishi with quality information necessary to maintain Mitsubishi's high standard of quality.
Recently, Mitsubishi determined that a cam bore plug seal was not to our standards and could possibly leak engine oil. This leakage, if left undetected, could ultimately result in damage to your engine.
Therefore, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. is requesting that you contact your local Mitsubishi Motors Dealer or Authorized Service Center to schedule an appointment to correct this potential problem. The remedy is very simple, requiring approximately 30 minutes, and will be performed at no charge to you. Please take the time now and call your Mitsubishi Motors Dealer or utitize our tollfree numbers listed below for your nearest dealer or Authorized Service Center.
West of the Mississippi River: (800) 521-0749
East of the Mississippi River: (800) 222-0037
Inside California: (800) 621-0185
Inside New Jersey: (800) 222-0268
Remember, this remedy is at no charge and is being made available now to prevent potential future engine problems. Thank you in advance for your fast response.