Background:
Worf is working on a fix for the broken rubber diaphragms in the vacuum actuators for the flaps for the HVAC. Now, it has been discussed in the past (Gary and Earl, you know what I’m talking about) that a condom is a suitable replacement for said part. Now being a good, giving, and game spouse- I volunteered to find the perfect condom!

My Problem

What is the perfect condom for this application? After spending several hours on the web and speaking with a fellow car enthusiast, I have determined that a non-latex, extra strength, large to ex-large condom without spermicide is what is required. My fellow car enthusiast and I argued for a while about lubricated or non-lubricated. However, I have not found condoms that meet all my specifications. Although, I am planning to call Condom World tomorrow (Yes, there’s really is a place called Condom World and I have no shame when it comes to 928 repair)

But could there be a better fix than a condom? Non-latex extra large glove? Dental dam? A diaphragm for a sheep?

I'm hoping for Bigs' input 'cause I'm guessing he has some expertise on fitting diaphragms.

 

I admire your enthusiasm, but a regular latex shop glove should provide plenty of material for that repair.

You don't mention why you've ruled out latex material, but if it really can't be used, then perhaps some cheap silicone housework gloves may suffice.

 

Nitrile's tougher! I will be watching this thread with some interest...

 

Latex does break down over time. That's why condoms have expiry dates. Nitrile does last longer but I haven't found any condoms made out of nitrile.

 

OH MY...I never thought of a flexible durable condom, as a potential solution for the dried and cracked actuator diaphrams that plague so many of the sharks with any age and heat exposure...They all will crack and leak vacuum sooner or later. My only concern about this "cure"... is that if you look at the thickness of the natural rubber diaphrams in the original actuators, and compare that thickness to the more "popular" condoms on the market today....you will see that the emphasis on the condom is "thinness...and real feel"...vs..the actuator diaphram, which I suspect is much thicker for "durability reasons" vs. a "its like wearing nothing at all" type reason...just a "hunch..."get-it"...just a hunch...(I kill myself sometimes).

 

Have you ever listened closely to the "Brady Bunch" theme song? They would certainly get it.

Rod

 

I think you may be obsessing over the 'condom' part... Think 'material', not the shape it's in.

 

You know what..as a "Boomer' myself...I always did like that show. "Marcia especially". Think she knew the theme song ???

 

It's a bit off topic, but I can't resist:

Till the one day when the lady met this fellow,
and they knew it was much more than just a hunch.

I always pictured the song writers sitting around laughing about putting one over on the censors.

Rod

 

Oh my...

I'm thinking you might have had better luck on the 944 forum...

Seriously, the factory actuator replacements are $50+ each - about $300 for the set. And the diaphragms are NA from Porsche. Does anyone have a fix for this? Or is everyone running around with broken diaphragms? Bueller? Bueller? Anyone? Anyone?


EDIT: I don't mind spending $300+ on parts. But it chaps my a$$ to spend $300 on $10 worth of rubber bits.

 

Try Mercedes or VW/Audi.

 

Maybe an old style "diaphragm", maybe known as a Ducth Cap, would be suitable? Round, with a rolled edge....showing my age again.
jp 83 Euro S AT 50k

 

BTW, the 944 comment was in reference to some of the folks from there that post in O.T. I suspect that they'd have lots to say on this subject. It was not meant as a comment on prowess of this group (or the 944 crew) with respect to fixing cars.

 

sorry but had to throw this in...point is, if there is one, that they don't, so you're OK.

 

Sorry I'd help but I don't know anything about condoms that ahem ... small