2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hood Seal

[RGardner]

What is the function of the rubber seal that is on the front cowling next to the windshield and how much does a replacement cost? Mine never wanted to stay attached and finally came off and got on the exhaust manifold and melted! Thanks in andvance for any help.

 

[Gene Arnold]

It may be to keep oily crud from blowing off the engine area and on to the windshield. Don't know for sure.



Gene

 

[Thomas]

P/N 55135340 SEAL, Hood To Plenum lists for about $23 at the Mopar counter.



The seal helps keep fumes from exiting the engine compartment at the rear of the hood and entering the fresh air intakes at the base of the windshield. It is mentioned in TSB 09-02-00.



I helped mine stay attached by removing it and squashing the embedded springy metal in a vise and then reattaching. Others have used various adhesives.

 

[crabman]

RG,

Mine kept coming off too but I fixed the rubber seal in the following way:

First clean the area throughly with lacquer thinner. The lacquer thinner will not damage the plastic and will evaporate quickly, do not get on it paint.

Buy a tube of Lexel, it is a clear super-elastic sealant and even sticks to wet sufaces. Apply in groove on seal and install rubber gasket in proper location. Close hood and forget it.

Over a year on my fix and no problem.

crabman