Question 1

What color is it? Will it hold up to engine compartment temperatures?

Accepted Answer

I’ve used this in engine compartments and other places that exceed its ratings so here’s what my experience says you can expect; (1) resistance to heat is good, but when used in the hottest areas it will slowly age and gradually stiffen. This is intended to be stable and flexible for an indefinite time measured in decades in permanent building wiring. It was relatively stiff, but not yet brittle within 7 years on some of the engine sensor splices. I did not use it very close to an exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, but there’s no need to put electrical splices within 2 or 3 inches of unshielded exhaust heat anyway. (2) chemical resistance - after curing this seems to tolerate solvents better or at least as well as vinyl electrical tape. It’s not going to be useful inside the fuel tank and I never tried it inside a transmission or crankcase. (3) water resistance - this a not a solution for splices that have to withstand permanent immersion in water. It can stand up to temporary immersion but it will gradually hydrate and needs to dry out. The time scales depend on the temperatures. There’s a self-vulcanizing aka self amalgamating silicone rubber tape that can withstand permanent immersion. (4) correct use - is as a sealer layer over the layers of electrical tape that insulate a mechanically sound wire splice. This is not “liquid electrical tape”.  If the idea was to insulate an insulation displacement wire splice or tap, the splice block and an inch or more of each wire is wrapped in tape before painting this on. It’s the same for a wire-nut, split-bolt, etc. tape wrap 1st and then scotchkote to make the tape actually seal, prevent unraveling, and add a (very) little stuff protection. Add addition mechanical wiring protection after it dries. Structure wiring splices are always in an electrical box. Automotive splices should be in some split loom or other protection but that depends on the location.

Question 2

Can this be used to coat electrical cables (e.g. Mac charger cables) which tend to crack over time? Is it clear and is it flexible when it is dry?

Accepted Answer

Yes can be used to coat any electrical cables or connectors that you don't need to be able to re-enter the connection. I am only familiar with black, brown, and white. If there is a clear I have not seen it.

Question 3

What is normal drying time?

Accepted Answer

It depends a lot on the air temp and humidity and how dry you want it before you tape over it again and re-apply.  I'd say 15 minutes average.

Question 4

What is the max voltage rating?  Looking for a liquid coating that will work in a 200 degree Celsius environment.

Accepted Answer

I found "boiling point" on the Scotchkote MSDS sheet, listed as 200 degrees F. Other data shows lack of adhesion at a little over 200 degrees F. This doesn't necessarily mean that it wouldn't endure a 200 degree C (392 degrees F). environment once it has dried, but you could do a test in an oven, using a sample connection, coated, and observe. 
For your reference, do a web search for the date sheet and the MSDS. Unfortunately I can't attach them here for you.

3M Scotchkote Electrical Coating FD, Fast-Drying Liquid, Flexible Sealant and Bonding Agent, Self-Contained Applicator, 15 oz. can

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