Firewall hole sealer putty?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Firewall hole sealer putty?
Whats that sticky moldable black stuff called that we used to use to seal the holes around wires, etc. going thorugh the firewall? Where is it available?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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You can get butyl tape, I think that is what the stuff I am thinking of is called, from winshield glass shops. They also have some newer materials that can seal up a hole permanently...
Always protect the wires with a gromet or something. That sticky stuff can let the wires move enuf to short out. Some grommets and bushings are available at electrical supply houses or the home box stores.
Always protect the wires with a gromet or something. That sticky stuff can let the wires move enuf to short out. Some grommets and bushings are available at electrical supply houses or the home box stores.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
I do use gromets, I agree they are needed. However, I find at times that, especially with odd groups going through one hole, that there is not a good seal. Is that butyl tape stuff black?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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It is black and VERY sticky. I just wanted to make sure you weren't using the mastic alone. A sealer is needed on those wire bundles. Some people have used roofing tar but the solvents attack the wire covering.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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You buy it in long rope like lengths (10'?) but if you only needed a small amount you might be able to talk them out of some for the right price 
Throw some talc on it after you have it molded in to make the outside less sticky.
I don't use that corrugated split plastic tube for bundling wires anymore. I hate the stuff. I use the black plastic spiral split tubing available at Radio Shack and Wall Mart etc in 10' lengths. RS # 278-1638 but it is cheaper at WM at $1.98/10' last time I checked.
Throw some talc on it after you have it molded in to make the outside less sticky.
I don't use that corrugated split plastic tube for bundling wires anymore. I hate the stuff. I use the black plastic spiral split tubing available at Radio Shack and Wall Mart etc in 10' lengths. RS # 278-1638 but it is cheaper at WM at $1.98/10' last time I checked.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: High Park, Toronto
2ndary followup Question
Originally Posted by Torque1st
Throw some talc on it after you have it molded in to make the outside less sticky.
I don't use that corrugated split plastic tube for bundling wires anymore. I hate the stuff. I use the black plastic spiral split tubing available at Radio Shack and Wall Mart etc in 10' lengths. RS # 278-1638 but it is cheaper at WM at $1.98/10' last time I checked.
Good idea about the talc!
I just bought some of that "clear" spiral stuff at Princess Auto up in the great white north... looked cool but didn't see it in black, why did you stop using the corrugated plastic stuff?
GW
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Posting Legend
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Frankly that stuff is a pain to get around the wires, never looks very good, and it can open up a finger too. Once you start using that spiral cut tubing you will never go back to that spit tube. You can wrap the spiral tubing around any size wire bundle any way you want. From just enough to hold the wires together to armor plating.
I have looked for the black split tube in 50 or 100' rolls but I have been unable to find it in anything but clear at the industrial supply houses. Clear is used widely in industry but I like the looks of the black for automotive work. I bought it for years at Radio Shack until I spotted it at Wally World. I know that when I dig into my truck mods I will need a couple hundred feet. Even at $2 per 10' it doesn't cost much. My son uses it all the time on computers he builds that have to look good. The kinds with windows and lights inside to show off that $500 graphics card that the gamers use. You can also use it to protect hoses and tubing from abrasion. The hydraulic supply houses have some real tough stuff for hoses but it is too stiff for wire work.
I have looked for the black split tube in 50 or 100' rolls but I have been unable to find it in anything but clear at the industrial supply houses. Clear is used widely in industry but I like the looks of the black for automotive work. I bought it for years at Radio Shack until I spotted it at Wally World. I know that when I dig into my truck mods I will need a couple hundred feet. Even at $2 per 10' it doesn't cost much. My son uses it all the time on computers he builds that have to look good. The kinds with windows and lights inside to show off that $500 graphics card that the gamers use. You can also use it to protect hoses and tubing from abrasion. The hydraulic supply houses have some real tough stuff for hoses but it is too stiff for wire work.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
This is the stuff! Eastwood:
3M Flexible Strip Caulk 20 yd
"This black, non-hardening, paintable caulk is just the solution for sealing irregular areas in firewalls, rocker panels, trunks, around tail lights, or just about anywhere gaps need to be plugged. Effectively seals out water, dust, and dirt. Duplicates the caulking material used by many auto manufacturers."
3M Flexible Strip Caulk 20 yd
"This black, non-hardening, paintable caulk is just the solution for sealing irregular areas in firewalls, rocker panels, trunks, around tail lights, or just about anywhere gaps need to be plugged. Effectively seals out water, dust, and dirt. Duplicates the caulking material used by many auto manufacturers."
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