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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: jomarti3 on February 22, 2015, 09:55:21 PM

Title: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: jomarti3 on February 22, 2015, 09:55:21 PM: In my efforts to renew a somewhat neglected 2008 Breva 1200 Sport there's a problem of rubber electrical connector boots which are no longer usable being cracked, broken non functional. I could try to find replacements ( doubtful) but looking at the task of removing connectors or undoing harness assemblies to install new ones I'm considering tape as a substitute. But I'm particular about the finished look and wonder if anyone has tried some of the new silicone stretchy tapes as wire wrap and what are their results looks-wise?

Or does anyone have other suggestions on how to proceed with dealing with decomposed rubber electrical connector boots?
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: Moto Fugazzi on February 22, 2015, 11:00:19 PM: I have that tape and use it quite often, but it can be a bit on the bulky side (doesn't always wrap the best). Available at Wal-Mart for about $5/roll. Would shrink wrap work better on the ends?

I'll bet you can order all of those parts from your local dealer, or try Harper's online catalog. http://www.harpermoto.com/parts-by-motorcycle/2000-up-moto-guzzi-motorcycles/1200-sport-8v-1200-2008.html
Ken
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: rodekyll on February 23, 2015, 12:13:54 AM: Not sure what's up without pics.

But the above shrink tube idea is a good one if all you want to do is gather up a cracked connector. Another possibility, depending on the size of the plug, is a bit of inner tube slipped over the joint.
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: creaky99 on February 23, 2015, 04:19:34 AM: If you are considering electrical tape, 3M Super 88 is about as good as it gets.
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on February 23, 2015, 06:53:03 AM: Quote from: creaky99 on February 23, 2015, 04:19:34 AM
If you are considering electrical tape, 3M Super 88 is about as good as it gets.

:+1
Don't use cheap tape, the glue comes off after a while making a sticky mess.
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: JoeW on February 23, 2015, 08:04:51 AM: I've used cold shrink tape. No adhesive to get sticky and it's not necessary to remove the connectors to apply. Here's a link to a seller I found doing a Google search, I'm not recommending the seller, just the product
http://www.3starinc.com/self_almalgamating_self_sealing_cold_shrink_tape.html
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: Rough Edge racing on February 23, 2015, 08:38:20 AM: 3M 33+ is a bit thinner and more flexible than 88. Any other brand of vinyl tape is inferior to 3M .Three wraps is plenty...Do not stretch the tape more than necessary during installation...Over stretching is why tape comes loose..
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: jomarti3 on February 23, 2015, 09:08:07 AM: Thanks guys all comments appreciated.

Added note:

I just found 4:1 heat shrink tubing which might be the way to go-

http://www.heatshrinksupplies.com/4-1-over-expanded-heat-shrink.html

Slip over the big end connector and shrink, good to go.
Title: Re: Insulating tape- Electrical
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on February 23, 2015, 09:39:43 AM: One more thing, if the wiring is flexing like at the headstock don't bind it tight, leave it loose so the action is a gentle twisting over several inches rather than a tight bend where the wires will snap.