[rescue] E450 foam turning to goo

[Dave McGuire]

On 4/6/21 9:41 PM, Steve Hatle wrote:
> So, in my E450 the foam that is supposed to be there to help direct air 
> flow is turning to goo.
> 
> It's not lost all it's shape yet, but I'm afraid it's eventually going 
> to turn into a soggy mess.
> 
> Is there anything to do to cover it up, with something like wax paper 
> maybe, to sort of keep it in place without making a mess?
> 
> Otherwise I guess one could scrape it all out, but I don't know what 
> that might do to the thermal airflow inside the case.
> 
> Anyone know of solutions or replacement strategies?

   Hey Steve.  We deal with this all the time at the museum; it's a huge 
problem.

   Your best bet is to remove it completely, now, as it will only get 
worse.  And in that state, most types of that foam degenerate into a goo 
that is corrosive.

   We've found some replacement foam for the insides of doors of certain 
types of IBM minicomputer and mainframe card cages, but we've not yet 
looked into any of the thick blocky stuff like Sun used for airflow 
control.  That said, it shouldn't be difficult to find.  Take 
measurements now, while the stuff still holds its form.

   But definitely get it all out while you still can, before it starts 
attacking the innards of the machine.

               -Dave

-- 
Dave McGuire, AK4HZ
New Kensington, PA