Matt Harwood Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 Self amalgamating tape is quite odd to use. It's not sticky. When you come to putting the tape on, don't cut off a long length. 2" should be more than enough. Do the first wrap holding the starting point in place and stretch the tape as you wrap it keeping it tight all the way. a 2" strip will soon become 6"! Over time, the tape moulds itself and becomes one waterproof rubberish blob. It's good stuff to have around for any outdoor connections including engine bay, domestic, aerial connections etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 I've just been reading up on it, sounds like a handy thing to have around, I have a few other jobs to do on the car and it sounds just the ticket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 The best type of joint would be a soldered joint and wrapped in self amalgamating tape. The tape is the important part because normal insulation tape will hold moisture and cause the joint to corrode and breakdown. Thanks for the tip Matt. I like to use shrink wrap, will that keep moisture out, or is it like to draw in moisture by capillary action? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Harwood Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 Thanks for the tip Matt. I like to use shrink wrap, will that keep moisture out, or is it like to draw in moisture by capillary action? Normal shrink wrap isn't bad, but as you say, can keep moisture in if it's not perfectly sealed. However, you can get self adhesive shrink wrap that has a layer of glue inside that melts as it shrinks. To be fair, either amalgamating tape or adhesive shrink wrap would be ideal for outside use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 Self amalgamating tape moulds itself and becomes one waterproof rubberish blob. It's good stuff to have around for any outdoor connections including engine bay, domestic, aerial connections etc. I always prefer to use this for outside stuff. I buy the heat shrink with the adhesive inside from Maplins, it's thicker than the normal stuff and has a higher shrink ratio too. Time to buy a trickle charger I think as the car doesn't get used often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 The best type of joint would be a soldered joint and wrapped in self amalgamating tape. The tape is the important part because normal insulation tape will hold moisture and cause the joint to corrode and breakdown. You didn't warn me about the price of the tape £8 a roll in Maplin, luckily they were out of stock so I bought some on eBay for £4.24 posted (19mm x 10m) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkyspar Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 nice advise lads thought it was my dodgy battery will be getting one myself soon one word of advice.buy cheep BUY TWICE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 one word of advice.buy cheep BUY TWICE That's 4 words Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethr Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 Motorbike mode was probably 6 volts......Only if we've fallen through a hole in the space/time continuum and landed in 1970. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 That's 4 words And one was spelt wrong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Having tried a couple of solar trickle chargers with limited success .... Michael: I'm thinking about getting a solar charger for the supra. Are there any that you'd recommend or warn against buying? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted December 18, 2008 Share Posted December 18, 2008 Michael: I'm thinking about getting a solar charger for the supra. Are there any that you'd recommend or warn against buying? I think I just tried to be too much of a cheapskate and didn't get ones that had enough grunt - there was another thread about them I think and someone mentioned the spec needed to look after a Supra battery but I can't remember what was said. Maplin have a 13w one on offer at the moment but I'm not sure of that's up to the job either, I don't really do electricity, I'm more of a nuts and bolts man http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=99760 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_b Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 Thanks Michael. From looking on here it sounds like the consensus is to get one that supplies at least 5W (perferably more). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted December 19, 2008 Share Posted December 19, 2008 My 4.8w one didn't help so I'd get the highest rated one you can afford. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 For anyone on a budget Aldi have a similar thing to the CTEK available from the 8th: http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2827_11443.htm?WT.mc_id=2009-10-05-16-34 £12. 99 4 charging modes: Car, Cold, Motorbike and 6V mode Charging current: 3.8 amp (car), 0.8 amp (motorbike) Suitable for all 12V car batteries and 6V/12V motorbike batteries Overheat protection Reverse polarity protection Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wez Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Great thread resurrection I assume these CTEK trickle units are OK for use with Varley RedTop batteries as I have been working on my motor all weekend and now have a dead RedTop 25 which I have removed to charge on the bench Liking the idea of having something left attached to maintain the battery Shouldn't this be turned into a tech article, very helpful indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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