HVAC Heater Box Foam Seals

[Muad'Dib]

See the arrow in the following picture for the door im asking the question about:

Its the "wedge" piece that is on the heater core side of the door.

 

[anthrax323]

See the arrow in the following picture for the door im asking the question about:

Its the "wedge" piece that is on the heater core side of the door.

Is that piece foam or plastic? It looks eerily similar to a piece that fell out of my HVAC box that nobody could identify, and I couldn't figure out where the hell it was supposed to go.

Things still work great though, fortunately.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Its the same material as the rest of the "wrap" that goes around the metal door. Its a foam that is very soft and conformable. Almost like a neoprene.

The reason i call it a wrap is because when i pulled mine off, it was a solid piece almost like it stretched/slid over the door.

 

[Mesh]

It looks like it could also restrict how far the door opens but I’m not sure. I wouldn't want to leave the wedge out than find later something doesn't work and have to remove the dash again. I was lucky mine was still in good shape and I left it in place.

 

[Muad'Dib]

It doesnt actually touch anything.. its just a bigger section on the foam.

I can only think of two reasons to have it:

1.) Extra weight on one side of the door to help it close? Or maybe close to a default position in case of door failure?

2.) Direct airflow more smoothly across the door when its closed in heat mode.


I already put my heater box back together, so i think i will leave it out and experiement... im tired of being without my Jeep

 

[Muad'Dib]

Someone reminded me that I haven't really updated this thread so here I am..

I haven't had a single issue with any of the foam I put in going on 3 years now. No leaks or anything that has concerned me. I'm curious to open it up and see how everything is holding up.. but its not causing a problem so why bother?

In summary I wouldn't hesitate to recommend doing this if you happen to have your heater box down.

 

[Jess_MJ]

Thanks for the update! My foam should arrive tomorrow. Haven't picked up the contact cement yet, Home Depot wanted an arm and a leg for it so I'll have to order it from Amazon or something.