In a message dated 3/7/04 2:42:07 PM, jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET writes:

<< everyone I have ever
seen, including the one on my van now, were sealed not with electrical
tape, but heat shrink tubing, and then coated with a gob of silicon sealer. >>

John,

I use shrink tubing also, but I first wrap the joint with a great product
called Scotchfil Electrical Insulation Putty made by 3M, of course.  It is in the
form of a thick, elastic tape which melds into a solid mass when applied.  It
is used to make waterproof electrical connections and to smooth the bumps and
corners of high voltage terminations before the many ensuing layers of tape
are applied.  As you can imagine, taped high voltage connections have to be
absolutely watertight and without voids, so Scotchfil seems like it was made for
the OXS splice on a Vanagon.

George