tape for sealing radiator ducts

[cory mcleod]

Does anyone have a tape they can recommend for sealing radiator ducts in a formula car? Standard metal foil duct tape rips from vibration/movement, racer's tape leaves too much residue and the black leading edge tape I've been using barely adheres to the fiberglass ducts.

Any help would be greatly apprecated

Thanks, Cory

[John LaRue]

Gaffers tape?

[Keith Carter]

All we've ever used is racer's (duct) tape. Maybe change the brand of tape you're using?

[JLind]

Use Gaffer tape, it won’t leave any residue
James


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[Rick Kirchner]

There are a couple variants of the aluminum tape. One is much thicker and reinforced in some way you can eyeball the difference. In the heating aisle at Home Depot. Also, if vibe is tearing it (or more likely flex), maybe you need a bracket to stabilize the radiator.

[DaveW]

I dislike using any type of tape in any application that stresses it or gets it hot. The tape adhesive usually dries out over time or turns to a viscous liquid, allowing the tape to slide off, leaving a gummy residue.

I have used it in those conditions, but it's a last option if no other solution is available.

[Rick Kirchner]

I've had that problem with every kind of tape EXCEPT the thin aluminum stuff. the thick stuff I describe above is extremely gooey.

The OP ought to try putting a layer of cloth duct tape on top of the thin aluminum. the duct tape should cure the tearing problem and the aluminum tape shouldn't get gooey on the rads and ducts.

For big gaps I use various macklinburg-duncan foam products.

[cliff]

Are you trying to prevent airflow between radiator edge and bodywork or chassis?
Trying to prevent the airflow in gaps and forcing it thru the radiator?
i use basic hardware store foam/tape/insulation...picture 1” wide by maybe .5” thick. And stick it to the bodywork or chassis tube..not the radiator...it will fill the gaps and if applied to a clean surface should last all year. Small gaps, not large gaps.

[cory mcleod]

Thanks for all the responses! I'm sealing where the 3-sided inlet duct sits on top of the sidepod belly pan and also fits over a frame member. The idea of cloth duct tape over the foil tape seems like a winner.

Cory