Cracked Firewall

[larkshead]

My first flight ended in a lawn-dart landing, cracking the firewall somewhat. The motor and transmission assembly look completely undamaged and feel & sound OK under power. Comparing the firewall to a new fuselage, it doesn't look too bad. Should I drop some thin CA into those cracks?

Thanks,
-Peter

[rivergreenmachine]

Been there, done that. Replace the firewall. Use silicone caulk or latex from Home Depot and be sure to let it cure for AT LEAST 24 hrs with a small amount of clamping pressure.

[renard80]

Yep, as above.

Neither CA nor any other glue seems to stick satisfactorily to the firewall. In fact, the plastic appears to be the same sort that CA bottles are made of - precisely because CA will not adhere to it!

Search this site and you will find others have had difficulty mending firewalls. Some people smother the break with epoxy but in my experience it's not the solution.

If the cracks are not too severe, she may fly adequately without having to fit a new firewall. They can be a pig to remove without damaging the underlying foam.

The SC firewall is an abomination, the cause of much frustration and cursing.

[larkshead]

Thanks, guys. I've ordered a new firewall. In the meantime, the damage is limited enough that I think it is flyable. I'm trying white Gorilla Glue until the replacement arrives.

Regards,
-Peter

[gagallagher04401]

Epoxy works the best I use 5-min epoxy when I need to repair something. Going to be easier to reapir then remove and replace I bet.

[flydiver]

The trouble with glue is it ultimately will fail and now you have an ugly mess to clean up to replace the firewall.
Too late now......