Firewall Sealing

[angryyouth]

Hello,
I was hoping to get some help finding the required items to seal up my firewall. Mostly for the steering column and wiring. I read on older post that a few of you were able to find items in the Speedway and McMaster-Carr catalogs. I guess I'm an idiot because I can't seem to find what I think I'm looking for to properly seal up my fire wall. If any of you can lend some assistance like what you used, where you got it and even a few photos to assist. It would be very helpful.
Thanks.
-A

[roygoodwin]

Not Speedway or McMaster-Carr -- but you might take a look at these http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/eyeballfw.php

roy

[willieworld]

A  what i do is go to home depot and get silicon calk and a calk gun- (i like the silver ) tape up the engine side of the firewall --silicone up the inside --let it dry overnite--pull off the tape --if you did it right it should be sealed and look nice --works good for holes ----seams---and wheel well tubs too   ---i like the G E silicone II-------willie buchta

[Dean Los Angeles]

Previous discussions about firewall sealing:
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,3402.0.html
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,1391.0.html
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,4048.0.html
http://www.landracing.com/forum/index.php/topic,994.0.html

[DallasV]

You might try fireproof putty. Just like play-doh.

http://www.nettechdi.com/firestop/mc_firestop_putty_pads.htm

This is just an example from the first site I saw when I did a search.

[Glen]

Fire wall putty is a product of 3-M

[doug odom]

I got mine at Home Depot.  Then I found out ACE Hardware also has it.     Doug

[angryyouth]

Thanks for the help. The firewall caulk is a good idea and I'll look into it. I did finally find what I was looking for in the speedway catalog:
www.speedwaymotors.com/pl/178,2044_Firewall-Mount-Flanged-Bearing-Sleeves.html
As well as I found some cool self sealing firewall grommets at Jerry Bickle race cars that are fireproof.
Thanks for the help.
-A

[jimmy six]

As an inspector I've seen some creative things. There are many "off the shelf" items that can be used. If you are able to use a single cable or groups of cables for all the wiring from the driver compartment to the engine that is the best. I like to use a terminal block on the inside of the driver compartment and a single cable for the 12 volt feed to the block, el water pp, el fuel pp, tach, ignition and str solenoid, etc. I run it thru an electrical strain relief (many sizes depending on the cable diameter)  The rubber seals around the cable and depending on how often you remove your engine it's easy to put back the wires. Most cables have different colored wire so it is easy. Being an electrician I also draw a print of both sides of the teminal block and where they go.

The real intent of a seal is to stop air from going from one place to the other. I have inspected cars that used CV boots around ther steering columns on the inside. The built a ring plate for the firewall side and since the replacement boot is split was able to seal it to the column with a hose clamp and all the little screws and nuts with the boot. Air can't flow so the fire will find another way out. I would still put a fire proof sealant where the boot meets the firewall.

If you've ever seen the seal of a floor pedal of  50's Chev pickup you can guess what I did for my clutch rod.    Good Luck

[uniquefirestopper]

PLEASE DO NOT USE SILICONE SEAL OR GREAT STUFF INSULATION to seal your firewall.  It is flammable and VERY TOXIC when burning.

Visit www.uniquefirestop.com for solutions to sealing the automotive firewall.  Hoover over the PRODUCTS button and drop down to "automotive offerings".  This is a totally new concept - a firewall that WORKS.

Mike Sr.
Hobby Stock Racer...

Unique Fire Stop Products, Inc.
(251) 960-5018
shop@uniquefirestop.com

[akk]

Aircraft Spruce at the same link above sells aircraft "FIREWALL 2000 CAULK" part #05-00949 shown on page 123.....this stuff is amazing! I used some to seal a hole in the floor plate of my car ..later when making a modification I discovered that my oxy-acetylene torch would not cut, melt or bother the stuff! I had to scrape it off to finish my cut.

[1212FBGS]

please double check all your old firewall sealings guys..... it can get old and brittle.... we had a pretty bad time last year and we don't need to get any one hurt this year....
Kent

[RICK]

To understand the intent,,,,where the fire is most likely to be is the engine compartment. At speed its a high pressure zone, you are in the passenger compartment, low pressure. Trouble travels from high to low pressure,,,so be sure to completely block is route. Anything,,,fuel,oil, coolant{which will be hot}, is gonna try to get in the drivers seat with ya. But if its turned to fire,,,,,going from high to low is kinda like a cutting torch. Its gonna come in and make the hole, and the fire bigger as it does.
  Electricians use "FIRE CAULK", to create a fire stop where the wires go from floor to floor, But its sometimes hard to find locally. For small gaps I've used muffler sealing compound that comes in a toothpaste sized tube, and can be found at any parts store. Seal it good.Fire is BAD.

Good Luck, RICK

[1212FBGS]

that fire caulk stuff gets hard and falls out.... silicone is only good to 500deg.... check things and check em twice...
kent