AC/heater damper doors gasket/foam

[sargentrs]

So apparently nobody makes a repair/replace kit for factory AC. What is this stuff and what would be a viable substitute?

[68RGR]

Hi Randy,

Think this (or something similar) might work?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacell-2-i ... /100539553

It may be available in different widths if you need it. For extra thickness, you might be able to layer it. And, I guess, you could lay it on side-by-side to make it wider.

Haven't tried it for this purpose myself but thought it might work.

It's a bit difficult to know just what the original stuff was like given the way it deteriorates and turns into an oily goo after years and years! I suspect it was a kind of bubbly, soft foam when new.

[sargentrs]

Thanks, Bill! Been surfing for the past hour trying to find material specs on similar applications, to no avail. Consensus seems to be it's an open cell foam with properties that act like a seal but allow air circulation without retaining moisture to inhibit mold/mildew. Hence the oily degradation over time as a result of moisture/condensation released by the evaporator functioning. I'm thinking HVAC ductwork and enclosure seals are similar material. Maybe weatherstripping too? Two of the doors in the factory unit are solid so a 1" wide weatherstripping around the the opening would probably suffice. However, the A/C registor and defrost damper door has holes in the interior so must be totally wrapped or it would defeat the purpose. Similar weatherstripping material that came in sheet form and spray adhesive might serve the purpose.