Firewall: To Paint or Apply Heat Barrier

Rob58

Rob58

Pre-takeoff checklist
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As I approach an engine compartment update I'm trying to decide how to treat the firewall. Wondering what others have done... paint with some high quality epoxy, or apply some high-tech heat barrier type sheet, or something different? Appreciate any feedback!
 
The firewall is stainless, right? Don't paint it, that'll just add something else flammable to the mix. As far as a heat barrier goes, what type aircraft do you have - certified or experimental? You'll need to consult with your IA if it is certified. Experimental, there's a lot of information on heat barriers over at Vansairforce.net. The consensus is a thin overlay of stainless covering a sheet of fiberfrax. That would be applied on the engine side of the firewall.
 
Rob58 said:
Appreciate any feedback!
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FWIW: Leave as is. Clean it good and reseal it as needed with appropriate sealant. From a maintenance aspect, any number of electrical systems may use the firewall as a ground point which would preclude using a any coating in those areas.
 
kyleb said:
The firewall is stainless, right? Don't paint it, that'll just add something else flammable to the mix. As far as a heat barrier goes, what type aircraft do you have - certified or experimental? You'll need to consult with your IA if it is certified. Experimental, there's a lot of information on heat barriers over at Vansairforce.net. The consensus is a thin overlay of stainless covering a sheet of fiberfrax. That would be applied on the engine side of the firewall.
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Unfortunately my firewall is galvanized sheet metal, not stainless. If it were SS I would be very satisfied to leave as-is. Instead it is showing signs of surface corrosion and other neglect. I do understand that it serves as an electrical grounding point and would keep that in mind for any treatment that I decide on. Although this is a certified aircraft there are no factory specs on what to do or not to do with the firewall (or most other components). I have consulted with various IAs and have received a wide range of opinions. Thus the reason for putting the question out on this forum. Thanks for the feedback thus far!
 
I cleaned mine with sctotchbrite and painted it when the engine was out.....
 

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If it were stainless, I'd say polish it. But for galvanized, paint it.
 
Do your feet get hot? If not, I would not be going with heat shield.
 
Thanks for the help!
 
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