Durex + RTV = working HVAC center comb
06-07-2014, 04:45 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Durex + RTV = working HVAC center comb
The center comb of the HVAC system in my 86.5 never worked, and I decided to pull the center console to see what was going on.
Apparently the vacuum pod was leaking, and instead of repairing the PO decided to simply plug the line off.
Following dwaynes excellent writeup, I removed the center console and removed opened up the pod.
The rubber was split along the outer edge. I read an earlier thread of someone who had success in fixing the bladder with a condom :-)
New vacuum pods/bladders do not come cheap, so I also gave the durex repair a go.
First I rolled out the condom and cleaned it inside and out with dish washing soap, which was great fun :-)
Then I cleaned the broken vacuum bladder.
After letting both the condom and the bladder dry, I put a thin coat of RTV over the bladder. Then I pulled the condom over the bladder and let it dry.
I also put a very thin coat of RTV on the edge of the cap.
Then I put it back together and tested it with my vacuum pump (sort of a mityvac / but different brand)
I never thought it would work so good, it holds vacuum! No leaks at all!
It makes a major difference.
This afternoon I also condomized the footwell actuator which leaked slightly.
There is still a small leak somewhere in the hvac system, which I will chase tomorrow. At least it does not affect the functioning of the system anymore, a/c gets really cold :-)))
Cheers
Michel
Apparently the vacuum pod was leaking, and instead of repairing the PO decided to simply plug the line off.
Following dwaynes excellent writeup, I removed the center console and removed opened up the pod.
The rubber was split along the outer edge. I read an earlier thread of someone who had success in fixing the bladder with a condom :-)
New vacuum pods/bladders do not come cheap, so I also gave the durex repair a go.
First I rolled out the condom and cleaned it inside and out with dish washing soap, which was great fun :-)
Then I cleaned the broken vacuum bladder.
After letting both the condom and the bladder dry, I put a thin coat of RTV over the bladder. Then I pulled the condom over the bladder and let it dry.
I also put a very thin coat of RTV on the edge of the cap.
Then I put it back together and tested it with my vacuum pump (sort of a mityvac / but different brand)
I never thought it would work so good, it holds vacuum! No leaks at all!
It makes a major difference.
This afternoon I also condomized the footwell actuator which leaked slightly.
There is still a small leak somewhere in the hvac system, which I will chase tomorrow. At least it does not affect the functioning of the system anymore, a/c gets really cold :-)))
Cheers
Michel
06-09-2014, 09:36 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Site Sponsor
I think that I would use a nitrile glove from Harbor Freight. Available in 5, 7 or 9 mil thicknesses. I would expect nitrile to last much longer than latex.
06-09-2014, 12:02 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
06-09-2014, 01:56 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
I trust you got your money's worth out of the thing to start with!
A load of those things fell on a chap in the UK the other day and killed him. Apparently he was condommed to death.
