A/C R & R, black goo question

**kredden** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 02:35 PM

I'm in the process of restoring the A/C in my Spider (because I want to!) and I'm about to replace the expansion valve. My question is what to do about the black tar-like goo that is wrapped around it right and the connections to it. I'm guessing it is too keep water from condensing on the connections? Is this stuff really needed, if so is there a good replacement for it? I'm getting if off but it is coming off in pieces and I don't think it will go back on nicely.

Thanks,
Kevin

**Gubi** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 02:45 PM

It's called "tar tape" and, yes, you need it to prevent water from condensing and dripping off of the metal lines and connectors.

I don't know a source but it shouldn't be too tough to find.

**Geezer** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 04:44 PM

Any professional auto parts store should have the stuff. It usually comes paper backed on a 10' to 50' roll.

**kredden** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 07:06 PM

Thanks.

Kevin

**Gubi** · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gubi

I don't know a source but it shouldn't be too tough to find.

**kredden** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 05:34 AM

Good find on that name! I ended up going to a local A/C specialist shop and asked them. They had some of the tar tape and just gave it to me.

Kevin

Joe Papa Sr · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 09:31 AM

NAPA has it. They call it, well, ready for this one? DUM DUM TAPE. I mean it. It is quite pricey. I managed to reuse the old wrap, instead.....It is almost necessary, though.

alfabeach · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 09:45 AM

Dumdum is used by all the OEM's to fix air leaks in firewalls. Used on windshields and fixed glass to fix air & water leaks. It used to be cheap and we used it by the ton.

**Gubi** · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 10:36 AM

Yes, I've heard it called dum dum tape as well.

Just "Dum dum" is something slightly different...it's that putty used to fill gaps. 3M sells it as "strip caulk" and it's used as Richard described. Won't work for the AC application, though.

Joe Papa Sr · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfabeach

Dumdum is used by all the OEM's to fix air leaks in firewalls. Used on windshields and fixed glass to fix air & water leaks. It used to be cheap and we used it by the ton.