Date:         Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:58:49 -0500
Reply-To:     David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      "Rescue Tape" Usage Note
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

First I have to point out that when you get a bunch of spare coolant
hoses a year ago, the only ones that help are the ones you install.

That being said, if you've got three or four layers of self-fusing
silicone tape wound on good and tight over the wound and they won't
fuse because of contamination from the coolant, take the bitter end
(the tail end for you lubbers) and unwrap it a turn or so, then stick
your finger under it and stretch it around again.  When you get to
your finger, pass the bitter end underneath, around, underneath again
and withdraw the finger.  With any decent luck that will stay
put.  Now dry the area thoroughly and cut a strip of tape long enough
to go around (stretched) four or five times.  Start outside the
existing patch at one end with a full overlap and make sure that
fuses.  Use about a 3/4 overlap and work down the patch until you run
out of tape, bringing the end back to a full overlap.  Cut another
similar piece and repeat the whole deal until you're comfortably past
the other end.  Remember this stuff likes to be stretched -- the
right amount is when it runs out of stretchiness, about 3x elongation.

For maximum enjoyment, try not to do this at 20F in a howling
gale.  I'm not complaining, mind...it could have been sleeting.  And
if you have Raynaud's Syndrome it's fun to look at the pretty
patterns of red and yellow on your fingers.

I will now go find the chalk and write A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
one hundred times on the blackboard, then ask may I please remove the
dunce cap.

Without the low-coolant warning light my goose would have been cooked.

Yours,
David