Hi Paul,

The hotter it gets, the softer butyl rubber becomes. The windshield oozes it some, but I really get hollered at when the AC plumbing insulation starts its drip.


Last year:
In the following shot you see this isn't the first year I tried to fix this - note remains of white butyl tape above all the black goo. I don't think I learned then, the TXV was not supposed to be insulated.

Here you see the official part for this, left over from a 134a conversion. Gloves are a must, some solvent too.



New tape is easy to work with.



Fits opening in side cover.



Looks like I think it should when done - the object is to not have my wife complain her passenger's shoes get soiled.



This year start all over again.



Not using the goo this year. Yes I have a sneaking suspicion (doh!) the refrigerant oil is leaking at that connection and softening the butyl tape.



Closed cell foam may not be the better mouse trap, just a way to avoid my wife's embarrassment. That butyl goo is hard to remove from clothing, and I'm not ready to open up this old R-12 system.



The last wrap was done with cloth friction tape to keep the foam in place. It has only been two months, but so far the carpet and floor are free from AC drippage of any sort.




--
Art Benstein near Baltimore

Never interrupt your opponent while he is making a mistake (Napoleon Bonaparte)