328 Air Condition Condensation Foam

Just go to Lowes or the like and buy a universal window airconditioner flilter and cut a piece and slip it through duct hole in front of the evaporator coil. This will keep the condensation from slinging off the coil. I used a tiny tape measure to measure the evaporator size...I think it was like 5x6 or close to.

 

Actually, it's located next to the window unit air conditioners.

 

Here is an easier way: Simply use some coarse Scotchbrite pad. I used some brown looking stuff from the hardware store. It took a little trial and error to get the fit right (trimming with shears). I installed it from the top, through the vents in the top of the dash. Be super careful as you slip it through the openings (the vents simply pull out to remove) as you do NOT want to scratch the vinyl dash with what is essentially sandpaper! But Scotchbrite worked well, and had enough thickness and rigidity to stay in place. It actually fit in the trough in front, at the bottom of the housing quite well in fact.

No more water splashing on my legs!

 

Is this the foam in question?

I have a similar issue with a leak

 

you could do the job a little more correctly by using closed-cell foam with a self-adhesive
backing.
fortunately frostex already has a product for this application. it is 1/4"thick, has a foil face,
and a nice adhesive back. it is very conforming due to the foil and will lay in place. it is meant
specifically for insulating metal duct work. the foil also prevents air stream erosion from occuring
which undoubtedly lead to the oem insulation break-down in the first place.
the rolls are 18" wide and about 10' long so you can use it elsewhere.
about $10/roll at the depot, ace, true value,etc.

 

Bill, he is not trying to seal anything. The foam is open cell, and with a very open weave or mesh. It's purpose is to catch the condensation off the condensor (it is positioned against the outside portion of the condensor), and allows the water to drop down into a tray, and be evacuated out a drain hose. The factory foam is very thin and fragile...it rots away and blows out the vents. Then, with no foam to "catch" the water drips, the water blows out the vents and drips through seams and holes in the vent tubes.

 

pardonez-moi.

 

Hi Hugh can you expand on how you put the scotchbrite pad in I have the same water issue on my 1989.I just tried to pull out one of the vents but it wouldnt budge and I was afraid to break it any advice?is there a way to release it as my dash was pulling up.Do you just take 1 out and have access or does anything else need to be taken apart?Thanks for the help Scott

 

Good luck, future, as I have an alfa whose evap has no foam (I forgot to add it when I redid the whole ac system, stupidly), and the condensate migrated down the duct, as far as the driv area, and drips directly on top of the dang fuse box!!! Of course, I figured this out when fuses kept b;lowing.....LOL

Too late now to fix, unl;ess I tear the dash off the cab.......I just placed a rag on top of the fuse box........

 

Well, there are two ways in, you can use the picture on post #1 and try and trim and insert the Scotchbrite pad in that way (requires very small hands). Or try from above. The vents should lift out, they did on my 1987 car...they should be exactly the same on yours. But be careful obviously. I popped the vents open, then inserted my fingers and sort of grabbed the vent along the outside edge, but from down inside....do not grab the moveable portion of the vent, that is fragile! I forget which vent gave the best access, I simple removed all three.

 

The scotchbrite is too thick and restrictive......air flow is already very poor. The foam is the ticket as its only purpose is to "catch" water droplets that get flung off the evaporator. They then hit the foam and trickle down and out the drain.

 

Use the maroon Scotchbrite, very coarse weave, it is not restrictive at all. It is found at hardware stores next to the sandpaper. NOT the pads used for washing pots and pans.

http://solutions9.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Windows/Doors/Product-Information/Products/Abrasives/Hand-Pad/

 

FWIW, when I rebuilt my 328 GTS A/C, (complete evaporator/blower upgrade, teardown and rebuild), I took the approach posted here with pics in post #17: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328/497678-need-improve-interior-comfort.html