First, let me observe that the ACA and older designs seem rather casual about firewall fittings.
But ok, if Champion/Bellanca/ACA and the FAA are comfortable with holes poked in rubber/silicone, who am I to second guess. Plus, seems pointless to get too worked up about making the firewall fireproof when there is a gigantic cabin heat vent right in the middle, pointed directly at the header tank.
So having said that, what is the approved material to replace the gasket part of the arrangement? Do I need to order from ACA or is it commonly available? Is there a better material?
How about that groovy wire loom gasket? Same stuff?
And while we are at it, the OEM firewall and boot cowl insulation was cheap foam-backed vinyl. I am skeptical that served any purpose other than cosmetic. So should I leave it bare, replace it with whatever ACA uses, or replace with Space Shuttle heat tile equivalent?
But ok, if Champion/Bellanca/ACA and the FAA are comfortable with holes poked in rubber/silicone, who am I to second guess. Plus, seems pointless to get too worked up about making the firewall fireproof when there is a gigantic cabin heat vent right in the middle, pointed directly at the header tank.
So having said that, what is the approved material to replace the gasket part of the arrangement? Do I need to order from ACA or is it commonly available? Is there a better material?
How about that groovy wire loom gasket? Same stuff?
And while we are at it, the OEM firewall and boot cowl insulation was cheap foam-backed vinyl. I am skeptical that served any purpose other than cosmetic. So should I leave it bare, replace it with whatever ACA uses, or replace with Space Shuttle heat tile equivalent?
