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amalgamating tape?

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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On my trip I don't want to carry every single coolant or vacuum hose as spares. I've heard of "amalgamating tape" to use in emergencies. Wrap the hose with tape; tape "seals" itself. Use to keep you going 'til you get to a parts shop.

Anyone ever used such a critter? Success? Failure? Forget about it? Suggestions on manufacturer and sources you've used?

Thanks.
Tom
 
Tom, I never heard any comments on amalgamating tape. I always carry a roll of the old reliable Scotch 2" duct tape, it'll hold just about anything in a pinch, even hot radiator hoses. Ever see the Super Cub that was torn up by a bear in Alaska that was put back together with duct tape? They flew it out of there and back to the airport. Must have used 10 rolls of the stuff! :encouragement: PJ

Before


After
 
I'd carry that tape and the solid pieces of JB Weld
 
My buddy had a rad hose leak in HS that we fixed with duct tape. We cleaned the hose really good w/ carb cleaner and taped it up. We figured it would only last just long enough to get another hose. Well, he drove it like that for a long long time. I don't think he ever changed it. Then again, that was 80's 3M duct tape. I don't know how long the crap they sell now would last.
 
I carry it in each car. I bought it at a local Ace Hardware. I just checked and couldn't find a brand or description; I had thrown away the packaging -- probably Master Mechanic brand. I used it to remedy boiling fuel in the line leading to the carb while driving my Wisconsin TR8 in the mountains on an extremely hot day on our way to a Roadster Factory summer party. I wrapped an insulated mechanic's glove around the line and secured it with said tape. It really stretches to form a tight fit. I used it again to fasten a proper insulating sleeve purchased later. Since the tape only adheres to itself, the mechanic's glove suffered no sticky goo. Good stuff. Could most likely be used in a pinch as electrical tape or to remedy a leaking hose.
 
JFS - thanks for the details. I'll take duct tape, and also the Ace Hareware stuff if I can find it. Sounds very useful.

By the way, I'm passing through Appleton on "the big trip".

Tom
 
Tom- I really suggest the JB weld solid too.
Very small and I fixed a rad leak with it.

rodi_2269_1008511441
 
Thanks Don. Already got a couple JB packs ready to go.

Maynard - that sounds interesting. From the description "... residue-free, UL listed, rated for insulating up to 18K volts and a good dancer. OK, we made the last one up"

But, I will check it out.
 
Gee Tom, let's hope you don't need more than one!
 
I've sold amalgamating wrap for years and usually have a roll in my car. Eight wraps around a hose will hold 100 psi. There is a cure time of about 30 minutes. Great for electricals too. I used it to fix a heater hose several years ago. It held until the new one arrived.
 
For years I have used self vulcanizing electrical tape acquired from my father who worked for the local power company as a lineman. It came in 3/4" wide rolls in a sealed tin container and would seal anything at lower pressure hoses, water pipes etc. originally designed to provide waterproof insulation for electrical connections it did it's job perfectly.I have two rolls left that are pretty old and would like to find a source to get more as they get dried out and dad is gone.
 
Sorry for the delay Tom. I don't have a brand name to give you, but it's made in England. It has a shelf life of about five years. Moss might carry it, if not, some of the car hobbyist specialty companies carry it.
 
I have gotten the tape at my local auto parts store.
 
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