AC Evaporator foam

[565bbchevy]

I am replacing all of my AC components for my 86' Regal project and just pulled out the evaporator and there is a thin foam on one side facing the heater core that has fallen mostly off, what is it's purpose?
And do I need to replace it for the new evaporator?

 

[carnutjw]

I had same thing, my assumption is that it is a wick to catch condensation and help it go down the drain hole instead of into the cabin. Purely speculation!!! I took a reusable furnace filter and thinned it down, but haven't charged my system yet.

 

[69hurstolds]

I had same thing, my assumption is that it is a wick to catch condensation and help it go down the drain hole instead of into the cabin. Purely speculation!!! I took a reusable furnace filter and thinned it down, but haven't charged my system yet.

You win the prize! It's on the downstream side of the evaporator to "catch" water and keep it from blowing through the vents. At least that's the idea. Also there's some foam on the front side for insulation as well as the bottom tube where it comes up from the housing. That's closed cell foam, though, and much thicker.

I don't know exactly what you call that wick filter, but found something that's 1/4" thick and plenty of it. Should work. Try this??
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LU28PRW/?tag=gbody-20

Even cheaper....hmm

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002GKC2US/?tag=gbody-20

 

[carnutjw]

I looked all over my world and didn't find anything like the original. Its very open cell, I'm thinking the Amazon/Duck thing might be to "tight"? I used this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/True-Bl...get-FRP-2-Washable-Filter-HD0124361/202195941 , after giving a haircut for thickness, we will see how it holds up. If hunks of blue crap start blowing out of the vents, I will be starting over.

 

[565bbchevy]

Thanks for the replies, J will try to match it with something local.

 

[airboatgreg]

It is to catch the condensation

 

[Texas82GP]

The foam rubber seals are part of a a/c case rebuild kit available from numerous sources....

http://www.mikesmontes.com/HeaterAC-Box-Seal-Kit_p_1359.html

On the foam, here's what I did. Start at post #170

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/space-city-1982-gp-build.55501/page-17

 

[455'ed80Regal]

Wish this question was asked before I completely went through mine and sealed it all up nice and good with 3M strip caulk and bolted it back to the firewall. If I end up with wet carpet I know where it's coming from. LOL

 

[565bbchevy]

I bought some foam from Lowes for $2.

 

[69hurstolds]

At least you got some! And if it works, that's all that matters. Good luck!