AC insulation question

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Sep 21, 2020 | 10:05 AM

SwampRattFord

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From: Northern Texas

AC insulation question

My '66 has the Vintage Air system. I had a Vintage Air distributor install it. Part of the installation was to insulate the lines to the evaporator under that dash. They used some sticky gummy, tape like substance. Well a couple months ago I began seeing "oil" dripping from the fan under the dash which concerned me greatly. Turns out it was this insulation "melting" or decomposing in some fashion and was dripping some oily-like liquid on the fan, then onto the floor of the cab.
So whatever they used wasn't the right stuff. Can any tell me what it is called and/or where I can buy some of it?
I have to replace this nasty stuff.

I've asked Vintage Air but they ain't so quick to get back to ya.

Thanks in advance

Sep 21, 2020 | 11:11 AM

AZSCAWPION

Fleet Mechanic

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Cork tape
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...odkw=cork+tape

Tony

Sep 21, 2020 | 12:51 PM

SwampRattFord

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From: Northern Texas

Ah, thanks. I'm no expert but I'm guessing there is a inlet (cold) side, and a outlet (hot) side and they either taped the wrong one, or they taped both and the hot side is melting the goo out of the tape.

Does that sound plausible? I won't get a chance to look at the truck till the weekend most likely.

Sep 21, 2020 | 01:53 PM

AZSCAWPION

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Sounds like they just used cheap tape. Nothing there should get hot enough to melt anything.
Unless something else is going on.

Tony

Sep 21, 2020 | 05:06 PM

chiefdave

Tuned

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From: Warsaw

Contact Rick Love, the VP at VA. He will likely send you the correct tape at no charge. .

Sep 22, 2020 | 04:55 AM

User 71024

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I've installed hundreds of aftermarket AC's in the 60-70's That tape, that we used to call "drip tape", is around the fittings, both high and low side, there is a good chance the oil you see is refrigerant oil that is seeping from a faulty connection. And the oil is what is making the tape seem like it's melting.

Eric

Sep 22, 2020 | 06:43 AM

SwampRattFord

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From: Northern Texas

Vintage Support called me back and said it is most likely a slow refrigerant oil leak that turned the tape to the tar-like consistency. They called twice so that's good.
Thanks EricJ.
If you're ever in need of a Vintage Air install in the DFW area ping me and I'll tell you who NOT to engage to do the work.

Thanks for the help guys.

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Sep 22, 2020 | 07:38 PM

User 71024

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampRattFord

Vintage Support called me back and said it is most likely a slow refrigerant oil leak that turned the take to the tar-like consistency. They called twice so that's good.
Thanks EricJ.
If you're ever in need of a Vintage Air install in the DFW area ping me and I'll tell you who NOT to engage to do the work.

Thanks for the help guys.

I ran a shop for a guy in the '70's, I only had about 10 people, and we did radiators and heaters, and Ac installs, and some cruise control,and motorola radios. During an elongated summer season we would put out about 20-25 indash AC's a week. And that was when you had to pull the dash and cut in louvers and pull the controls to alter them and cut holes in the firewall to fit the evaporators in them. Not the easy installs they have today. I probably wontbe hiring anyone to do my '66.