The plastic degraded over a few hours and became easy to tear. So the answer is 'Yes, it will eventually melt it'.

Swapped to a paper towel per FI's suggestion

thanks,
dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car