Just got my ac up and running - should be useful for three weeks or so per year in Seattle. Works great with a parallel flow condenser upgrade.

However, when I was taking things apart originally, the expansion valve was encased in some brittle, beyond-its-years foam insulation. I presume this is for some sort of temperature stability.

How important is it to replace this insulation?

What would be a good product to use?

BTW, 39.7 degrees F at the vent with R134a. OK, OK, not a warm day, but I am still happy.

__________________
Erlend
1981 300D 202K daily driver

Something like this would work:

http://www.ackits.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=250-292&Category_Code=

Go to a dealer. Part number is 126 835 06 40. It's called a "housing". $5 when I bought mine 2 yrs ago.

__________________
Bob
'82 300D Petrol B-G Metallic

What is the benefit if having the expansion valve insulted vs no insulation?

__________________
Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Sweat won't drip on the floor.