Tracing Powder

Tracing powder is used to check both the uniformity of contact and the tension of a seal against its sealing surface. These tests are usually done when a suspected air leak/noise appears to originate from the seal area or during the alignment and adjustment of a component to a weatherstrip. Tracing powder can be ordered from Crest Industries as ATR Leak Trace. Carry out the tracing powder test as follows:

Fig 1: Identifying Tracing Powder Uses

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

1. Clean the weatherstrip.
2. Spray the tracing powder on the mating surface only.
3. Close the door completely. Do not slam the door.
4. Open the door. An imprint is made where the weatherstrip contacted the mating surface seal. Gaps or a faint imprint will show where there is poor contact with the weatherstrip.

Fig 2: Identifying Tracing Powder Imprint

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.