electrical tape or heat shrink tubing removal

tomtom · 03-28-2008, 10:01 AM

do you prefer electical tape or heat shrink tubes for insulating male female connections with the piggybacks?

how easy is it to remove heat shrink tubes without damaging dme wires?

PresaMat · 03-28-2008, 10:07 AM

If you want higher quality hold and less junk on the wires use heat shrink. It will take more time to remove but will look better and be more reliable in my opinion. The way i know how to remove it is with a exacto. You could probably also reheat it to make it pliable.

fast_lap28 · 03-28-2008, 10:44 AM

I would def go with the heat shrink...much cleaner and professional looking. this also helps wires blend in with the rest of the factory wiring which is a plus just in case anyone wanted to take a quick look-see at the ECU area. with electrical tape anyone will tell immediately that you have tampered with the wiring.

I went with heat shrink for my JB2H connections and once I tucked the JB well in the ECU box the heat shrink blends all connections nicely. As for removing it if I have to I will just carefully use a small blade i.e. exacto or razor to gently cut around the heat shrink....you could use some medical scissors with the edged tip that can help cut without damaging the wires beneath.

good luck!

e.n335 · 03-28-2008, 10:51 AM

Use heat shrink, it's much better than the tape. To remove a heat shrink, heat it up again ( I use a hot air gun @ 200 deg. Celsius ).

tomtom · 03-28-2008, 11:06 AM

thanks for the helpful tips. I've never used heat shrink tubes. How do you use them? The install guide recommends cigarette lighter. do you heat up the entire tube and for how long?

Just want my AA install to go smooth.

munters · 03-28-2008, 11:22 AM

Im always using a lighter. you will see it. heat it up til it fits nicely. it takes just a few seconds.

RiXst3r · 03-28-2008, 11:55 AM

I use masking tape... as suggested by several members because it doesnt leave traces...

Flat Out 32 · 03-28-2008, 12:04 PM

Do the shrink, I did it last night with my Processor and the looks of the install are top notch, a big plus! You'll be very satisfied.

Biturbo335i · 03-28-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

I use masking tape... as suggested by several members because it doesnt leave traces...

tomtom · 03-28-2008, 02:37 PM

i read that too about masking tape. i am no electician but isn't the tubing or electrical tape for insulating the junction. does the masking tape insulate?

RiXst3r · 03-28-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomtom

i read that too about masking tape. i am no electician but isn't the tubing or electrical tape for insulating the junction. does the masking tape insulate?

Masking tape is not conductive

330iTiAg · 03-28-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

I use masking tape... as suggested by several members because it doesnt leave traces...

Traces of what?

Since masking tape contains paper, isn't it more flamable? That's just asking for trouble.

itsbrokeagain · 03-28-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330iTiAg

Traces of what?

Since masking tape contains paper, isn't it more flamable? That's just asking for trouble.

I was about to say the same thing

thats like the biggest load of shit Ive ever heard.

No traces of install? Cut wires or splices wont give it away..but residue from electrical tape will, so better use masking tape!!!!

Not to mention the second it gets cold out, it will just lose stick...not covering your wire job, possibly arcing to something if it touches metal..

itsbrokeagain · 03-28-2008, 06:53 PM

and yes I prefer heatshrink..I use it all the time at work, I fab wiring harnesses up all the time...comes out awesome.

RiXst3r · 03-28-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330iTiAg

Traces of what?

Since masking tape contains paper, isn't it more flamable? That's just asking for trouble.

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbrokeagain

I was about to say the same thing

thats like the biggest load of shit Ive ever heard.

No traces of install? Cut wires or splices wont give it away..but residue from electrical tape will, so better use masking tape!!!!

Not to mention the second it gets cold out, it will just lose stick...not covering your wire job, possibly arcing to something if it touches metal..

I do not share your fears of masking tape...

I'll let you know if my ECU bursts into flames from the horrible deadly masking monster...

Who is cutting wires?!!?!?!?!? there is no cutting or splicing...

Dascamel · 03-28-2008, 07:10 PM

Or, take your time with electrical tape.... the technique is sound, some people will just make a mess out of anything.

hotrod2448 · 03-29-2008, 09:03 AM

The electrical tape will leave that lovely black glue residue. It easily removed with some electrical contact cleaner though.

Heat shrink is good you just need to be careful of a few things. Do not get the kind that has the glue built into the inside of the tubing and be careful when heating it to not burn the insulation outside the heat shrink or get the heat shrink hot enough that it sticks to what you are working on. This depends mostly on what you are using to heat it. A heat gun is the safest way to go.

Also when removing it you have to be careful not to damage any connectors when pulling it apart or not to cut insulation if you use a razor blade.

I would not recommend masking tape for this project. After a while living with the heat in the engine bay it may not work to well.

Sparky66 · 03-29-2008, 09:37 AM

If your piggyback is a long term install unlike some who are continually removing them for changes and upgrades, I would definitely consider heat shrinking your pin connections. Another alternative I'm considering is a product I use called "Self Amalgamating Rubber Tape" which has no glue as such, but is tightly stretched and wound several times over the conductive pins. It's advantage is, it can be unwound any time in the future, it provides a waterproof connection and it doesn't deteriorate or leave gooey residue behind.
Masking tape should be considered a temporary measure alone as it is prone to coming apart and exposing the conductive pins due to the glue residue composition changing with age and heat fluctuations within the confines of the engine bay.

You have been warned................and yes I'm an electrician and have seen the long term affects of using masking tape and its eventual lack of sticking power.

.

itsbrokeagain · 03-29-2008, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

I do not share your fears of masking tape...

I'll let you know if my ECU bursts into flames from the horrible deadly masking monster...

Who is cutting wires?!!?!?!?!? there is no cutting or splicing...

I just loovvee working on cars like yours that come in with masking tape around connections...I have seen it quite a few times

e90AW335i · 03-29-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbrokeagain

I was about to say the same thing

thats like the biggest load of shit Ive ever heard.

No traces of install? Cut wires or splices wont give it away..but residue from electrical tape will, so better use masking tape!!!!

Not to mention the second it gets cold out, it will just lose stick...not covering your wire job, possibly arcing to something if it touches metal..

1. JB doesnt require cutting wires
2. Masking tape is not going to catch of fire in the ECU
3. Masking tape it the easiest thing to use because it leaves absolutally no residue...

4.

for thinking you know so damn much....

Mr. 5 · 03-29-2008, 12:12 PM

Masking tape really is a good thing to use.
Remember that we aren't talking about huge amounts of current here, so I truly wouln't worry about your ecu going up in flames. The amount of votage that is going through the wires is so small.

The con about masking tape is that after time it will be a little harder to take off if you need to. When you peal off the tape then it will come off in slivers and it might take more than a couple tries to get the all of the tape off of a single connection.

If you want to use electrical tape then it will leave a bunch of residue but I just used goo gone or (goof off) to take care of this residue. The goo gone works like a charm.

The best connection is the heat shrink only if you plan on leaving the tuner on for a long time, but if you're me and you swap tuners every couple weeks then the heat shrink is definitely not an option.

RiXst3r · 03-29-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbrokeagain

I just loovvee working on cars like yours that come in with masking tape around connections...I have seen it quite a few times

You miss the whole point of using masking tape...

its so you can TAKE IT OFF!

Sorry, but that was just way too obvious

Anyone that goes to the dealer with tape on their ECU connections is asking for trouble... hence the reason to use a tape that comes off easily and doesnt leave residue...

03-28-2008, 10:01 AM	#1
tomtom Captain 53 Rep 986 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ontario iTrader: (4)	electrical tape or heat shrink tubing removal do you prefer electical tape or heat shrink tubes for insulating male female connections with the piggybacks? how easy is it to remove heat shrink tubes without damaging dme wires?
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03-28-2008, 10:07 AM	#2
PresaMat Major 35 Rep 1,169 Posts Drives: 67 GT500,69 Boss 429, 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Houston,TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 1967 Shelby Mustang ... [0.00]	If you want higher quality hold and less junk on the wires use heat shrink. It will take more time to remove but will look better and be more reliable in my opinion. The way i know how to remove it is with a exacto. You could probably also reheat it to make it pliable. __________________ -Mat Tuned E92 335, Riss Racing downpipes! And hopefully over 400RWHP!!
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03-28-2008, 10:44 AM	#3
fast_lap28 Lieutenant 40 Rep 494 Posts Drives: '07 335i Montego Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I would def go with the heat shrink...much cleaner and professional looking. this also helps wires blend in with the rest of the factory wiring which is a plus just in case anyone wanted to take a quick look-see at the ECU area. with electrical tape anyone will tell immediately that you have tampered with the wiring. I went with heat shrink for my JB2H connections and once I tucked the JB well in the ECU box the heat shrink blends all connections nicely. As for removing it if I have to I will just carefully use a small blade i.e. exacto or razor to gently cut around the heat shrink....you could use some medical scissors with the edged tip that can help cut without damaging the wires beneath. good luck!
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03-28-2008, 10:51 AM	#4
e.n335 Moderator 270 Rep 4,481 Posts Drives: e93 ///M3 DCT, 07/2009 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Switzerland, ZH iTrader: (0)	Use heat shrink, it's much better than the tape. To remove a heat shrink, heat it up again ( I use a hot air gun @ 200 deg. Celsius ).
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03-28-2008, 11:06 AM	#5
tomtom Captain 53 Rep 986 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ontario iTrader: (4)	thanks for the helpful tips. I've never used heat shrink tubes. How do you use them? The install guide recommends cigarette lighter. do you heat up the entire tube and for how long? Just want my AA install to go smooth.
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03-28-2008, 11:22 AM	#6
munters Captain 11 Rep 677 Posts Drives: E91 335XI AT Dakota Black M Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	Im always using a lighter. you will see it. heat it up til it fits nicely. it takes just a few seconds. __________________ 59 Corvette, 72 240Z, 73 Espada, ZXR
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03-28-2008, 11:55 AM	#7
RiXst3r 274 Rep 6,510 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Ohio iTrader: (14)	I use masking tape... as suggested by several members because it doesnt leave traces...
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03-28-2008, 12:04 PM	#8
Flat Out 32 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 372 Posts Drives: my feet. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South FL iTrader: (2)	Do the shrink, I did it last night with my Processor and the looks of the install are top notch, a big plus! You'll be very satisfied. __________________ Georgie Vazquez Mayaguez, PR R.I.P. 335i, 010 135i here!
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03-28-2008, 02:37 PM	#10
tomtom Captain 53 Rep 986 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: ontario iTrader: (4)	i read that too about masking tape. i am no electician but isn't the tubing or electrical tape for insulating the junction. does the masking tape insulate?
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03-28-2008, 06:53 PM	#14
itsbrokeagain 310 Rep 15,745 Posts Drives: 1999 528iT, E53 X5, E46 325xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Strong Island iTrader: (7)	and yes I prefer heatshrink..I use it all the time at work, I fab wiring harnesses up all the time...comes out awesome.
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03-28-2008, 07:10 PM	#16
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	Or, take your time with electrical tape.... the technique is sound, some people will just make a mess out of anything. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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03-29-2008, 09:03 AM	#17
hotrod2448 grand poobah 254 Rep 2,253 Posts Drives: F80 M3, F10 535i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335d [0.00]	The electrical tape will leave that lovely black glue residue. It easily removed with some electrical contact cleaner though. Heat shrink is good you just need to be careful of a few things. Do not get the kind that has the glue built into the inside of the tubing and be careful when heating it to not burn the insulation outside the heat shrink or get the heat shrink hot enough that it sticks to what you are working on. This depends mostly on what you are using to heat it. A heat gun is the safest way to go. Also when removing it you have to be careful not to damage any connectors when pulling it apart or not to cut insulation if you use a razor blade. I would not recommend masking tape for this project. After a while living with the heat in the engine bay it may not work to well.
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03-29-2008, 09:37 AM	#18
Sparky66 Major 58 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 335 E92 Coupe. Jet Black. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	If your piggyback is a long term install unlike some who are continually removing them for changes and upgrades, I would definitely consider heat shrinking your pin connections. Another alternative I'm considering is a product I use called "Self Amalgamating Rubber Tape" which has no glue as such, but is tightly stretched and wound several times over the conductive pins. It's advantage is, it can be unwound any time in the future, it provides a waterproof connection and it doesn't deteriorate or leave gooey residue behind. Masking tape should be considered a temporary measure alone as it is prone to coming apart and exposing the conductive pins due to the glue residue composition changing with age and heat fluctuations within the confines of the engine bay. You have been warned................and yes I'm an electrician and have seen the long term affects of using masking tape and its eventual lack of sticking power. . __________________ Sticky is an Idiot
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03-29-2008, 12:12 PM	#21
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 758 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Masking tape really is a good thing to use. Remember that we aren't talking about huge amounts of current here, so I truly wouln't worry about your ecu going up in flames. The amount of votage that is going through the wires is so small. The con about masking tape is that after time it will be a little harder to take off if you need to. When you peal off the tape then it will come off in slivers and it might take more than a couple tries to get the all of the tape off of a single connection. If you want to use electrical tape then it will leave a bunch of residue but I just used goo gone or (goof off) to take care of this residue. The goo gone works like a charm. The best connection is the heat shrink only if you plan on leaving the tuner on for a long time, but if you're me and you swap tuners every couple weeks then the heat shrink is definitely not an option. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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