You have all heard how Scotch 88 (or 33) tape is the cure-all for
everything. I've expounded on protecting "uv proof" cable ties from the
sun with wraps of 88, and how the "last wrap" should be applied without
tension so it won't unwind and flap in the wind. Here's another use,
after a test of a year of the sun beating on it.
My well (which is used to supply drinking water to those folks who
climb my TOWERs) tested contaminated with 'ecoli'. I determined that
there was an opening into the shaft from the top where the power cable
for the submerged pump went into the top cover of the well shaft. I
corrected that and treated the well with chlorene. The problem
persisted. I noted that the rubber seal at the top of the well shaft
was allowing air to suck in around it, bypassing the filtered vent, so I
called a pump company to replace the seal ($250). In the meantime I
sealed the top of the shaft to the top cover plate with (you guessed it)
Scotch 88. Just before the well folks arrived I removed the tape.
The technician said that he could change the seal if I wanted, but he
had another fix which worked just as well and would only cost me the $50
minimum service call. You guessed it again, he used Scotch 88! I
showed him how to put the last wrap on without tension (he said that the
only problem was that one wrap seemed to come loose in a year or so).
The well tested fine.
Getting ready for the contest season (alright it was time anyway) I
had the well tested again. It is still perfect, and the Scotch 88 looks
great, just like when it was installed. A year ago I noted the outer
covering on the flex conduit bringing the pump wire to the junction box
on the well shaft cover was showing deterioration from uv. I wrapped it
(about 4' is exposed) with Scotch 88 and it still looks great.
I have no connection with 3M company, but I do buy Scotch 88 in boxes
of ten rolls at a time!
73, Jay
w6go@quiknet.com
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