High Heat Harness Tape 51036 - Advanced 150C Engine Compartment Tape

In this review the focus is on a specialist product for automotive wiring: Tesa's most advanced high heat harness tape 51036. The bottom line is simple - if you need a durable, high temperature tape for engine compartments used by major European makers, this tape is worth considering. The reviewer found it particularly useful where sustained heat resistance and chemical resilience are required, and its use by Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and VW underlines that it meets OEM expectations for critical harness applications.

Key Features

• Rated to 150C: Delivers continuous heat resistance up to 150C so it stands up to demanding engine bay temperatures without degrading.
• Superior abrasion resistance: Protects wiring and harnesses from chafing and wear in tight or vibrating assemblies, extending service life.
• Resists chemicals and fluids: Maintains adhesion and integrity when exposed to common engine fluids and chemicals, reducing failures from contamination.
• AAA adhesive: Uses a premium adhesive formulation that bonds reliably to insulation and conduit materials, keeping wraps secure under stress.
• Self extinguishing: Adds a layer of safety by limiting flame propagation in the event of an electrical fault or high heat incident.

Who It's For

This tape is aimed at professional technicians, restoration specialists, and aftermarket harness manufacturers who need a high-spec tape for engine compartment wiring on European vehicles. Use it when working on Mercedes, BMW, Audi, or VW harness repairs where OEM-grade materials are preferred and long-term durability is required.

It is less suitable for casual household tasks or low-temperature applications where a general-purpose electrical tape would be more economical. Also, if a fleece-style or lower-temperature tape is explicitly required for a specific original-spec restoration, check the vehicle specification before choosing this high heat tape.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High continuous temperature rating provides reliable performance in hot engine bays.
• Excellent chemical and fluid resistance keeps wraps intact in contaminated environments.
• Premium adhesive and abrasion resistance mean fewer rewraps and better long-term protection.

Cons

• Higher-spec construction makes it more costly than basic fleece tapes, so it is overkill for light-duty uses.

Specifications

Our Verdict

For professionals and enthusiasts repairing or building engine harnesses on European cars, this tape offers clear value: OEM-level heat tolerance, strong adhesion, and chemical resistance reduce maintenance and risk. It is priced above basic alternatives but justifiable where durability and safety in the engine compartment matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tape suitable for engine bay wiring?
Yes, it is specifically designed for engine compartments and rated to withstand continuous temperatures up to 150C.

Will it resist oil and coolant exposure?
Yes, the tape is formulated to resist common chemicals and fluids encountered in engine bays, maintaining adhesion and integrity.

Is this the same as fleece harness tapes sold elsewhere?
No, this is a higher-grade high heat tape and should not be confused with lower-grade fleece tapes; it is intended as a premium harness solution.