Engine Cover 2.2 D4D

[The Cav]

Hi

Has anyone got any ideas as to how i cam reattach one of the locating lugs that locate the engine cover on my avensis 2.2 D4D onto the metal nipple type fixings on the engine

it has come adrift ...i have tried araldite,super glue, black mastic and even plastic pipe glue from work

all to no avail

any ideas

[Thermal]

Hi,

Not sure what lugs you mean and the material they're made of,

but I assume it's some kind of plastic.

In general, an epoxy based "glue" gives the strongest possible bond at the atomic level.

The fact that you have been unsuccessfull to make a repair, probably means that the surfaces have been insufficiently cleaned.

Oil and grease act as a release agent and the bond will fail.

Cleaning the surfaces is essential and the cleaner used is usually pure acetone. (not to be confused with stuff like nail polish remover).

Epoxy from household syrenges will do, provided they are fresh.

If all else fails, I use industrial class epoxy and hardener, mixed with cotton flakes or "micro balloons".

Curing the bond at higher temperatures (~80 degrees C) makes it even stronger.

If the object doesn't fit in the kitchen oven, let it cure for a while at room temperature, then wrap it in plastic and go to the sauna. (not joking!)

A properly made epoxy repair is stronger than the materials they bond.

The only possible problem I see is that epoxy gradually loses its strength above ~170 degrees C, which may or may not be reached on the top of the engine.

Worth a try though.

Good luck

P.S. Don't use Polyester resin, which has entirely different properties.