RVbySDI
Well Known Member
Firewall insualtion installed
I just wanted to post a pic and a short comment on my insulation progress.
This is what I have been able to get done so far. I went with the Firewall2000 Ceramic Blanket as discussed on this thread along with 2" wide alumninum tape around all the edges and holes. I also used a Thermosheild brand heat shield tape material wrapped around all the wire protrusions coming through the cockpit. I did this to help with insulating the wiring, help with filling the large holes with more fire protecting material so I would not have to use as much red RTV when sealing the holes, and just as important as all that, to protect the wires from being chaffed by the SS edge of the SS foil.
One thing that was mentioned in earlier posts was how to attach the material to the firewall. There was discussion about using stainless steel pop rivets with SS wide area washers. I did not want to open any more additional holes in the firewall as I felt I already had too many. So I did not use any rivets at all to secure this material. There were enough bolts across the span of the firewall to allow for those bolts and the associating battery box, solenoids, etc. to secure the blanket. Along with the aluminum tape this is more than adequate enough to secure the material to the firewall.
A couple of notes to pay attention to. If you are building and can install this prior to hanging the engine and other items on the firewall you are going to be happy you did. I did not do so and ended up installing this insulation after everything was hanging on the firewall. I ended up unbolting everything I could from the firewall and disconnecting any cables I could. Most of the wires were already permanently installed so I could not disconnect those. I had to cut slits in the blanket material to be able to get it around these items. I was able to accomplish all of this with the items already installed in about 3 or 4 hours so it did not take a great amount of time to accomplish but it would have gone much quicker and been a much neater install had I done this before running everything through the firewall.
For anyone with a flying airplane that is interested in doing this I think you can take from my experience the fact that it can be done. My firewall was just about as complete as it was ever going to be. I have not flown yet but am very close to doing so. Because of this I feel I was about in the same position as you guys already flying would be if you tackled this project. It can be done in a few hours. By taking off as many items as you can before attempting to install you will be ahead of the game. I was able to roll up the blanket in a horizontal plane and slide it in between wires, hoses, etc. until I had it pretty much in place. Then I unrolled the top and bottom and slowly began manipulating it into the nooks and crannies between everything that was in the way. Take your time and be very careful around the SS edges. Which leads me to the following point to keep in mind.
Another important thing to pay attention to is the stainless steel foil. The blanket has an aluminum foil on one side and a stainless steel foil on the other side. The stainless steel foil faces the engine. Whenever you work with this material note the SS foil is EXTREMELY sharp. Be very careful in working with this material as it will cut you repeatedly as you work on maneuvering it around all the items on the firewall. Go ahead, ask me how I know! I am keeping BandAid in business after this project.
You might note in the picture the top of my firewall does not have the insulation installed. Well the reason is that I ran out of material and am now waiting for more to be shipped so I can finish this project. The material comes in 24" wide sections sold by the foot. I bought 4' and it was not enough. By the time I cut and pushed and stuffed around things I came up short. I think 5' would have worked good and would have been able to complete the entire firewall. I will have the top covered as soon as the new order arrives.
I think this will really reduce the heat transfer into the cockpit. I also am optimistic this will help in the event of an engine fire but I hope to never have to test that out in real life.
I just wanted to post a pic and a short comment on my insulation progress.
This is what I have been able to get done so far. I went with the Firewall2000 Ceramic Blanket as discussed on this thread along with 2" wide alumninum tape around all the edges and holes. I also used a Thermosheild brand heat shield tape material wrapped around all the wire protrusions coming through the cockpit. I did this to help with insulating the wiring, help with filling the large holes with more fire protecting material so I would not have to use as much red RTV when sealing the holes, and just as important as all that, to protect the wires from being chaffed by the SS edge of the SS foil.
One thing that was mentioned in earlier posts was how to attach the material to the firewall. There was discussion about using stainless steel pop rivets with SS wide area washers. I did not want to open any more additional holes in the firewall as I felt I already had too many. So I did not use any rivets at all to secure this material. There were enough bolts across the span of the firewall to allow for those bolts and the associating battery box, solenoids, etc. to secure the blanket. Along with the aluminum tape this is more than adequate enough to secure the material to the firewall.
A couple of notes to pay attention to. If you are building and can install this prior to hanging the engine and other items on the firewall you are going to be happy you did. I did not do so and ended up installing this insulation after everything was hanging on the firewall. I ended up unbolting everything I could from the firewall and disconnecting any cables I could. Most of the wires were already permanently installed so I could not disconnect those. I had to cut slits in the blanket material to be able to get it around these items. I was able to accomplish all of this with the items already installed in about 3 or 4 hours so it did not take a great amount of time to accomplish but it would have gone much quicker and been a much neater install had I done this before running everything through the firewall.
For anyone with a flying airplane that is interested in doing this I think you can take from my experience the fact that it can be done. My firewall was just about as complete as it was ever going to be. I have not flown yet but am very close to doing so. Because of this I feel I was about in the same position as you guys already flying would be if you tackled this project. It can be done in a few hours. By taking off as many items as you can before attempting to install you will be ahead of the game. I was able to roll up the blanket in a horizontal plane and slide it in between wires, hoses, etc. until I had it pretty much in place. Then I unrolled the top and bottom and slowly began manipulating it into the nooks and crannies between everything that was in the way. Take your time and be very careful around the SS edges. Which leads me to the following point to keep in mind.
Another important thing to pay attention to is the stainless steel foil. The blanket has an aluminum foil on one side and a stainless steel foil on the other side. The stainless steel foil faces the engine. Whenever you work with this material note the SS foil is EXTREMELY sharp. Be very careful in working with this material as it will cut you repeatedly as you work on maneuvering it around all the items on the firewall. Go ahead, ask me how I know! I am keeping BandAid in business after this project.
You might note in the picture the top of my firewall does not have the insulation installed. Well the reason is that I ran out of material and am now waiting for more to be shipped so I can finish this project. The material comes in 24" wide sections sold by the foot. I bought 4' and it was not enough. By the time I cut and pushed and stuffed around things I came up short. I think 5' would have worked good and would have been able to complete the entire firewall. I will have the top covered as soon as the new order arrives.
I think this will really reduce the heat transfer into the cockpit. I also am optimistic this will help in the event of an engine fire but I hope to never have to test that out in real life.