Underhood wiring tape ?

[omniac]

What are you guys using to replace the black under hood tape that is on the wiring harness? The existing tape on my wiring is very mushy and falling off - so I'd like to replace it all.

It has a similar appearance to black "hockey" tape - so I was wondering if this is what you use - or just black electrical tape?

I prefer the hockey tape as it is not shiny - but uncertain as to whether or not it will hold up over time and due to the under hood temps.

Thoughts? Ideas ?

[Turbo Joe]

thats exactly what i use over the wire loom and such, the same stuff comes in a packaged electrical type wrap, but i beleive its the same stuff, as I've had them side by side already.

[trannybuster]

Its friction tape..can get it at Homedepot...also use cold wrap in areas it might rub and put friciton tape overtop, make sure you dont need to take it apart because you'll need to cut it apart.

[wallace]

Its friction tape..can get it at Homedepot...also use cold wrap in areas it might rub and put friciton tape overtop, make sure you dont need to take it apart because you'll need to cut it apart.

What he said.

[135sohc]

Hockey tape.

[2.216VTurbo]

In my experience Hockey tape loses it's color very quickly at underhood temps. Looks great for about 2 years then becames chalky and white. RMMV...

[shmedley]

I got mine from McMaster before it rated for higher temps then the hockey tape and is a bit thicker. I do know they sell it on Ebay also (the good stuff not hockey tape)

[Reaper1]

Even the stuff I got from Eastwood lost its color on a harness I redid, and that never even saw underhood temps!

[QwikEVO]

I just use electrical tape.

[Reaper1]

I just use electrical tape.

The issue I've had with that is that even the good 3M stuff's adhesive breaks down over time in that environment. It never stays. You could opt for the older 70's plastic/vinyl wrap tape, though.

[135sohc]

The dry vinyl is appropriate for these cars as well. It was used inside the plastic loom and hockey tape (also gaffers tape) used at breakout/splice points

[cordes]

There is an Audi tape that Jon Trotter turned me on to. It's pretty awesome and seems to hold up well from what I've seen thus far.

[going4speed]

do you get this from the dealer? the audi tape that is.

[Reaper1]

There is an Audi tape that Jon Trotter turned me on to. It's pretty awesome and seems to hold up well from what I've seen thus far.

I remember that. My friend, Sean (Captain Chaos) who works at an Audi dealership was getting it for guys on here. I don't know if he can still do that or not, however.

[cordes]

do you get this from the dealer? the audi tape that is.

I believe so. It says Audi right on the box. I'll try to find some of it around and post a PN if I can find it.

[omniac]

Lots of great replies so far - thanks for the info. I picked up 2 rolls of Friction Tape @ Home Depot yesterday. I haven't had time to do anything with it but did unwind a small amount to see how it adheres to a small section of wiring. The small amount I used sure wasn't sticky like hockey tape - I wonder how it adheres over time?

[wallace]

Lots of great replies so far - thanks for the info. I picked up 2 rolls of Friction Tape @ Home Depot yesterday. I haven't had time to do anything with it but did unwind a small amount to see how it adheres to a small section of wiring. The small amount I used sure wasn't sticky like hockey tape - I wonder how it adheres over time?

Once it cures from a few heat cycles you will have to cut it open with a razor knife to get it off.

[turbo84voyager]

I must have done a half a dozen engine harnesses with friction tape from Home Depot and every one is holding up very well.

[supercrackerbox]

Regular electrical tape has no place under the hood.

[fishcleaner]

Use harness tape (no glue) and it is higher temp and some flame resistance, you can use the friction tape to tie it off with but the first time you have to open the harness you will regret using anything with glue.