Date:         Sun, 4 Jul 2010 22:22:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Silicone tape = rescue tape, was Pesky Oil Leak
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTimebnILaRBme8PrfWl_K07JH_aEIpmLj_LZO7ia@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

  The best way to use that Rescue Tape seems to be at least  two layers.  I
like to reverse the wind....so that the tape is crossing on the second layer
in the other direction, much like a Chinese finger puzzle. (that is ok, on
the list, right?)  If you look at any tube construction that needs strength
you will see the supporting fibers are often crossed in opposing spirals.

  My water hose from the head to the heater in my van is still holding
pressure with a rescue tape wrap over a 1" long split in the hose going on
two months now...and I have had a boil-over episode with the tape in place
with no leakage...so it will take some significant steam pressure without
failure, I guess.   A boil over incident was the cause of the original
split...or maybe the other way round....dunno for sure.

  When I get round to changing in my new Jetta bottom end (very soon) I will
swap on a new hose and take some pics of the old repaired one...but I am a
"True Believer" in that tape for on the road repairs.
 I have also built up one of my power tool cords that had always broken at
the end of the tool...built a tapering load bearing 'sheath' to stop the
cord insulation from wearing out at the bend it takes right out of the
handle....It works good for that, too...way better than duct tape or
electrical tape.

  I may try some on my next flat tubular bike tire....just wrap the tire,
rim and all, then ride in on it....could work...I'd look so cool, like a
cartoon....I could tie a bow in the ends of the two layers...Me on my
Colnago carbon fiber bike, carbon wheels, lycra team costume...at least $6k
worth of cycling gear and a 'tied up' tire, thumping round and
round....Hmmm, that would be cool...

  Don Hanson