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What's your favorite tape for taping the radiator and oil cooler for winter operations? In general, I have preferred aluminum foil tape because it handles heat well, doesn't leave a residue when removed and doesn't hold moisture like gaffer's tape. I prefer black, because my radiator and oil cooler are black, but most of the black foil tape has a liner that's difficult to remove, and often it doesn't stick as well as I would like. 

Do you have a favorite type or brand of tape for this?

  • Re: Favorite tape for radiator/oil cooler?

    by » 3 weeks ago


    The tape I prefer is from Menards.  It is a large temperature range HVAC tape that is easy to apply and remove and one roll will last a LONG time.  I recently installed an oil cooler bypass thermostat, so not really needing to apply/remove tape all the time as temperature changes.  It wasn't cheap but I really like how it works!


  • Re: Favorite tape for radiator/oil cooler?

    by » 3 weeks ago


    I also use the aluminum foil HVAC tape. I find I need to use it even though I have a bypass oil thermostat.


  • Re: Favorite tape for radiator/oil cooler?

    by » 3 weeks ago


    I use aluminium tape, reinforced I think with fiberglass thread. I have had the same role for years. If memory serve's, purchased from an air-conditioning parts supply.

    So that I don't have to "reinvent the wheel every winter", I have photos of the successful  masking of my oil/coolant radiators.

    As the weather warms, I role the tape down, exposing a bit more heat exchanger - my target Cruise temperature is 95C,  with oil getting above 100C in Climb. 😈


  • Re: Favorite tape for radiator/oil cooler?

    by » 3 weeks ago


    Just use the thin 2" wide aluminum tape. Comes with a paper backing you peel off. It will not leave a residue when you remove it and it goes on in seconds. Do mot use Duct tape or Gorilla tape. The heat causes the adhesive glue on the tape to come off and leaves a mess on the coolers. I've  been using the aluminum tape for 25 years and no issues and many of my flying friends use it too.


    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


    Thank you said by: Sean Griffin

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