George Lendich wrote:
 >
 > Lyn,
 > Given we use slightly different descriptions for things, what is Teflon
 > covered hook-up wire. Sounds good and cheap - do you over lap the wire at
 > the joint. I'm a great believer in silicone as well.
 > George (down under)

I got the stuff at North American Aviation salvage years ago. It had a fabric
cover over a Teflon, or Kapton insulator. I pull off the cloth sleeve. The
conductor is tinned copper wire about 18 gauge. The diameter is just a bit
bigger than the thickness of the stock compression "O" ring. After use, the
insulator has nearly hydraulic locked in the groove.

The corners of the (now square) insulator are just barely rounded. The
silicone fills in whatever volume is left in the groove. I put the joint near
the intake so there is no question about a compression leak. There is only a
butt joint with a little dab of silicone over the joint. Other materials
might work just as well. The wire insulator material may make little
difference so long as it will hydraulic in the groove. Or bulk "O" ring
material might work as well. I was thinking about a piece of solid copper
wire, but the stock "O" ring and the aircraft wire is all I can vouch for.

Lynn E. Hanover

I was wondering about the solid copper wire too. Years ago as I recall the
double A fuel dragster engines used that instead of head gaskets.
The thing I wonder about is corrosion between the dissimilar metals over time.
An 8 second dragster engine is one thing and aircraft engine is another.

Paul Lamar

They still use wire o rings on high compression engines of all types, including drag
boats and offshore racing boats.  Very few head gaskets will hold up to a very high
compression engine.
Royce

Those engines are frequently overhauled so I don't think corrosion
is a big issue.

Paul Lamar
 
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