My company also uses a red silicone self-fusing tape for antenna/ coax connectors.
  I, too, have discovered that it does usually form into a complete sealant covering, which is practically impossible to peel way and unwrap.  I usually have to cut it away to access the threaded connections.  Some technicians follow up with a layer of quality electrical tape to keep it bound while it's curing, especially if it's applied outside when temps are freezing and below.
  As a licensed aircraft airframe and powerplant mechanic, with a full career in the USAF as a both a KC-135 crew chief and an F-15 jet engine mechanic, I can attest to it's common usage both in civilian and military aviation.
  I can't see why not to keep a roll onboard the Vanagon for quick, semi-permanent  repairs.
HTH,

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mister Tom 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 9:54 PM
  Subject: Re: Silicone "Rescue Tape" ... it works

  > -----Original Message-----
  > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
  > Robert Ueltzen
  > Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 5:25 PM
  > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  > Subject: Re: Silicone "Rescue Tape" ... it works
  >
  > I saw some silicone tape at Home Depot for about $7 and Duluth Trading Co.
  > has it (Xtreme Tape), too, at $30 for 6 ten foot rolls.  YMMV.  I can't
  > say
  > if these are made in America.
  >
  > Rob
  >

  My company puts 480 volt fan motors in temps to 250F and 100% humidity.  The
  motor leads are bolted to the line leads, then wrapped with this kind of
  silicone fusing tape.  We also use it over the soldered leads of the
  temperature sensors.  You stretch and wrap, then with temperature it fuses
  into a silicone ball.  Once it fuses you cannot un-wrap it, just cut it out.

  Tom Salicos
  '87 Syncro Westy EG-33