Is it oilproof? Phil
For example, is it suitable for use on wires in the primary chaincase? Phil
think it depends on which make, Ive got rolls that I use for looms, various sizes then I ve a few bits of industsrial that the company used on trains, mine shrinks but the works is more of a rubber based and does not shrink as well.
I presume you are talking generator wires, problem Ive found is the grommets are only just big enough as is the tube they pass through so extra packing can be a pain. the last one I did I left the shrink to outside.
as for deterioration, I dont think it would be a problem, only that it is designed to shrink with heat and being in a heated oil situation would only heat it more. would it get to a brittle stage>? one will only know with time..
Like chaz says it depends what you get. Heatshrink can be made out of several different polymers and as such is resistant/proof against certain things depending on the polymer.
I would expect pvc based heatshrink to be ok as that is what was used to sleeve the original wires but some of the cheap "ebay" stuff may be suspect. Go to a good supplier and ask them the question - if they can't answer then go somewhere else until you can find one that knows what there talking about.
I've put the heat shrink where the sleeving ends, next to the soldered connections at the stator. Hoping it doesn't burn into a sticky goo. Phil
Meant to add that I've used a company called vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk on line who seem good and do a massive selection of stuff
That's who I used, but didn't ask about it.
Just phoned and asked. They're going to send me a data sheet. Not sure I'll be any the wiser. Lots of people on this forum must have used it for the same thing I'm using it for? Any info on whether it's okay would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance as always. Phil
The bloke at VWP has just phoned me to say the data sheet doesn't say, which suggests to him that maybe it's not oilproof. Anyone with experience of using it please? Phil
Hi Phil,
Never had an issue with any heat shrink I've used. I never use the type with internal adhesive as this could break down in oil.
Check this 3M data sheet if you are unconvinced:
Best wishes...
Thanks for this, Bess. So I take it you've used it in the primary chaincase? The documents you kindly attached are, I think, only fairly encouraging, given that they give it a "good" rating rather than "excellent" which they use elsewhere. What "good" means I guess we can't exactly know. But if you've used it in the pc with no problems then I'm happy. Thanks very much again for the trouble you've gone to. Phil
Hi Phil,
Yes I have used it inside the 2 A65's cases, I extended the cable using multi strand thin wall insulation type and made good with heat shrink. I recently changed 1 to a belt drive and the cable etc. was fine when I checked.
As you are aware wire insulation is a trade off between its insulation properties, abrasion resistance, effects of ageing, heat, water and chemicals etc. So I guess the alternator wires are a compromise over performance/cost, more likely what's available from the suppliers and probably like heat shrink classed as 'good' for immersion in oil as well.
All wire suffers detrimental effects from heat and oil and becomes brittle over time, as you have discovered so adding heat shrink may extend its life from 50 years to 60 years? ;)
Best wishes...
Many thanks Bess. Phil