JasonC SBB

I didn't get any overheating at Laguna Seca this Miatas @ MRLS weekend, but the foil tape on top of the radiator ripped. I wonder if it was due to vibration or due to air pressure:

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

mine mostly did the same thing, and in the spots where it didnt rip, the adhesive let go eventually.

curly

iTrader: (25)

Yup, that's what happened to mine. I have a big hole cut in my bumper above the stock mouth though, and the mouth is sealed to the bottom portion of the radiator. I've just stopped sealing it there.

Ben

iTrader: (33)

I put foam weatherstrip on the seam, then the foil tape on top of that. Seems to hold up better.

carbon

iTrader: (1)

Would it be crazy to just layer the tape perpendicular? Similar to composites layering in different axis's.

Do your normal long one across the length, then do a bunch of smaller pieces perpendicular on top of it, and then if you wanted finish with a 3rd layer the same as the first.

Either one would probably let you know what it is. I doubt the air pressure would burst through any of that, but the radiator pulling/shaking around might.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

The tape doesnt have a different amount of strength in either direction. Its really not meant for this purpose. I have different high temp tape that withstood the stress much better because it had a weave like duct tape but the adhesive didnt last long on the radiator.

Erat

iTrader: (5)

I used some industrial HVAC tape used for duct work. It seemed to do better than the home depot foil tape but it still ripped after 3ish months... I'm sure 100+mph doesn't help it either.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

I think the solution is either foam, or to put an ABS plastic or thin metal flap there and then add tape. There cant seriously be THAT much movement there.

ThePass

iTrader: (3)

As that area is sealed better, the pressure increases. Radiator is mounted pretty solidly to essentially the same thing the tape is stuck to, and the rubber isolators don't have much flex unless they are really worn out. I'd put my money on that being pressure related.

-Ryan

asmasm

iTrader: (1)

DEI foil has fiberglass reinforcement and a high temp adhesive. It might work better than standard foil tape.

Leafy

iTrader: (1)

DEI foil is what had the failing adhesive for me.

asmasm

iTrader: (1)

I have some Pegasus foil and some DEI foil here. I can compare them and see if the adhesive is better on the pegasus foil.

Seefo

iTrader: (5)

I do the same. I think its half-inch thick weather strip from Home Depot. Make sure its good, I have tried about 2-3 brands and only one of them sticks well. I put it between the radiator and the mount area, then tape over it. Seems to last a while for me also.

sixshooter

iTrader: (12)

I layered the Harbor Freight foil tape over some upholstery foam that was squeezed into the gap and it typically held. Changing to a different radiator helped as well. Must have been some combination of pressure and movement.

joyrider

iTrader: (8)

I tape somme shower pan liner and it held alot more then just foil tape that ripped after 2 races.

spoolin2bars

iTrader: (1)

abs plastic or thin aluminum butted up to it works best. I did layers of foil and it lasted 2-3 months usually. not bad since it only takes a minute or two to put fresh tape on. Important though since all that air that's pushing the tape off is much better used when forced through the radiator.

cjsafski

iTrader: (2)

I have had good luck using good black duct tape in the past.

Mobius

iTrader: (2)

My strip of Gorilla tape has held up well so far through 5 track days.