What insulation tape to use?

[Esteban]

Can someone recommend a good electrical tape to replace the stock Toyota stuff with?

I've noticed that the stuff i usually steal from work (3M see below) is good at insulation no doubt, but leaves a sticky residue esp in areas where the tape gets hot? whereas the stock stuff, while not very sticky, retains its shape and doesn't succumb to heat for a few years. It may go brittle but this is easier to work with than wires covered in goo!

The two main types i use at work are:

3M
Scotch
Professional Grade
Super 33+
Vinyl Electrical Tape
Super Strong Adhesion
Withstands Harsh Conditions
Protects and Insulates
Operating Temperature Range -18 to 38 Degree Celsius

Nitto
No. 222
AS 1621-1988
PVC Electrical Tape
Property of Telstra Corporation Limited
0.17mmx19mmx20m
S433/11
Made in Tiawan ROC
Suitable for use at not more than 600V
and not more than 80deg C
Nitto Denko Corporation

or there is also 3M self amalgamating tape, but fuck that for car looms


I reckon the Nitto tape is the go in automotive applications as it has a slightly higher max temp, and the voltages in cars (mine aren't CDI!) are pretty low. It doesn't go all sticky at the drop of a hat and the tearing strength seems higher (qualitatively not quantitatively, I'm just guessing)

Thoughts?



(my apologies as this thread does not include pics!)

[ed]

nitto works for me

[PlacentaJuan]

i think the self almalgamating tape is good, we use an ARLON brand (but im pretty sure 3m makes it too) for looms inside aircraft engines. its not sticky at all (except to itelf) so it leaves a really nice finish plus you can wrap it twice as tight as electrical tape.

it is a silicon tape so is very heat resistant.

only ptoblem is you can not unstick it from himself so you need to cut him good.

otherwise i just use some convoluted tubing + electrical tape in areas that i know will need regular access to, that way i dont have sticky wires when i work on them.

[Pure_In_Sanity]

I use nitto too. Not sure if it's the one you posted above, but i pick it up from the auto elec & its specifically for covering looms.
Not as sticky, & a bit thicker than the normal stuff.

Also when finishing the taping, i use a lighter on the end for a second & then press it down. It helps to stop it peeling after a while.

Cheers
Phil

[bnicho]

Nitto all the way. Definitely the best IMHO.

[JP]

I usually use Nitto, for the next engine loom I make I plan to use the silicon tape like this: http://www.vi-pec.com/page_files/silicon_tape.htm

[stevevp]

Rayon cloth tape, single coated with a thermosetting rubber based adhesive.
Applications:
Wrapping of automotive electrical wiring harnesses, Hand application, Product designed for applications which require a good temperature resistance, class T2 (105C)

Hard to get but brilliant to use

[CrUZida]

Nitto is pretty much all I use, but I have used 3M TEMFLEX in the past and it was awesome.
I just haven't been able to find somewhere to buy it yet.

While using it it felt much better than the Nitto, but haven't subjected it to engine bay heat yet.

[mrshin]

Cloth stuff can be good, depends what for. Otherwise I use Nitto, but make sure you get the stuff that DOESN'T have 'nitto' stamped on the tape, the cheaper Nitto branded stuff is pretty average.

[thechuckster]

lance - what and where are you wrapping up cables?

[Esteban]

Simple Aristo harness extension at the moment, but I'm splicing the AVCR, WB02, SAFC, Gauges etc into it at the same time. Just wanted people's opinions on the tape as the 2JZGTE loom I just pulled apart was in good nick, unlike anything I've taped up with the 3M stuff....

Nitto looks like the goods for under dash. If it was enginebay then some of the responses above would warrant further investigation (eg. 3M TEMFLEX, 23 self amalgamating, various silicon tapes, rayon cloth tape etc). Thanks for the replies everyone!


I will have to build a new custom loom for the 1UZ in the near future, so I guess I should look further into the enginebay tapes soon. I was planning on disassembling the stock loom back through the firewall so I don't have to join plugs... but I hear wilbo has found the toyota part number for plug pins? Previously I could only buy the outers from Toyota eg the 2JZ coilpack plugs that always need replacing ... Hitting him up now for the info...

[1JZ-Rolla]

Another fan of the Nitto here The old matte finish Nitto was the best, but the glossy stuff now is ok & still better than any of the other brands available.

[ae95]

nitto works well for me

cheers