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Comment by Jesse Hartman on December 9, 2013 at 7:42pm

It's cool that we have some many options as experimental builders.  Post some pictures when your done, I may do the same thing.

Comment by Brian A Manlove on December 9, 2013 at 1:06am

I have been convinced that the only really safe way to do this (while avoiding "sliders") is to use Aviation Mil-Spec firesleeve.  I found some 4" diameter, also got firesleeve end tape and silicone dip.  I'm going to fashion 2 cones, dip the ends, and those should work quite well instead of the rubber.

Thanks all for the feedback!!!

Brian 

Comment by Dan Dempsey on December 7, 2013 at 9:47pm

I remember rejecting this solution because rubber makes a pretty good fuel in a fire, but with lots of thick black smoke.  I wound up using a little sliding cover, I think the idea came from Larry McFarland.   http://daniel.dempseyfamily.us/zodiac/firewallfwd/ducting/cabinheat...

You might be able to make a boot using fiberglass saturated with high temp silicon caulk.

Comment by Brian A Manlove on December 7, 2013 at 8:29pm

I think I now understand what you're saying... sounds like I could just replace my (inexpensive) rubber with some good leather. I like it. Will post what I come up with. Do wanna be saf!!

Comment by Jesse Hartman on December 7, 2013 at 6:32pm

I would think that cutting a slit in a finger of heavy leather glove with safety wire around glove finger and shaft will give a pretty good seal, much better than the bushing you have in there that is binding up.  I just showed my son how to weld, and he was bothered with getting burned.  I had him put a welding glove on and I started up my map gas torch held it on the glove with his hand in it for 15 seconds just to show him how good they will protect him.  He is 8 years old and I never would have tried to burn him, I just knew he wouldn't feel the heat.  My will do my plane like this, it may not be pretty, but it WILL be fire proof for some time.  Both ways are acceptable, but it is a firewall. 

Comment by Brian A Manlove on December 7, 2013 at 4:51pm

Jesse - I'll be using a piece of split firesleeve on firewall side. Do you think that won't work? My galvanized "sliders" kept binding up ... plus, they were nowhere near air-tight. Flames will "blowtorch" in if there is any draft there... but if it's basically air-tight, will take a bit more to start penetrating. I figure if a fire is going that strongly, I've got much bigger problems to worry about... am I full of beans?

Comment by Jesse Hartman on December 7, 2013 at 1:35pm

Rubber will not stop the flames.  I have seen others use a leather welding glove with the rod going through the finger, and the cuff attached to the firewall.

Comment by Brian A Manlove on December 7, 2013 at 12:56pm

Just need to find some nice-fitting bushings so the rods will easily slide, and allow the boot to be clamped down.  I'm thinking greased bushings will almost completely isolate the inside from any blow-through gasses/exhaust/flames.