Air-oil separator update?

[DavidT]

Is there an air-oil separator preference for the PA-22-135 series engines? I see that the Anti Splat Aero folks have several models for various engine sizes, while the M20-Turbo folks look dormant. Thanks, David N3328A

 

[DavidT]

Here is a link to the Anti Splat Aero device and I've emailed them a question about the 0-290-D2 engine applicability for a certified airplane.

The ASA Oil Separator – AntiSplatAero

antisplataero.com

 

[Steve Pierce]

I installed several M20s back when they were being sold. Cut one open and made my own when the ceased production. Don't know anything about the AntiSplat, will have to read up. If you search m20 here you will find some good general info on air oil separators on our airplanes.

 

[Gilbert Pierce]

Two things keep oil of my belly. First and foremost is keeping my oil level at or below 6 quarts.This had the biggest effect and had no effect on my oil temperature. The second thing was a M20 air/oil separator.

 

[Pacer42Z]

I checked ASAs Website, it doesn’t look like they have an STC for their oil/air separator. Can this be done on a 337 only?

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z

 

[Steve Pierce]

Is it a major alteration?

 

[Gilbert Pierce]

You can use FAA AC43-210A check list on page 14 to determine if adding the air/oil separator is a Major or Minor alteration. If it’s a Minor alteration indicate in the log book entry it was determined to be a Minor Alteration using the AC43-210A check list

 

[Pacer42Z]

I talked to my mechanic yesterday and he also thinks it is a minor alteration. He gave me the green light to order it and he will inspect the installation and sign the logbook.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z

 

[DavidT]

The Anti Splat folks advised me their unit is not for certified aircraft but I do like the idea of a minor alteration and appropriate paperwork. I will order one also and get with Juergen to compare notes!

 

[JPerkins]

I know a guy who says the ASA air/oil separator works great on an O-360 that used to throw a quart overboard every 2-3 hours. Not even a drop on the belly anymore.

 

[DavidT]

I know a guy who says the ASA air/oil separator works great on an O-360 that used to throw a quart overboard every 2-3 hours. Not even a drop on the belly anymore.

Hi Jason, I noticed my O-290-D2 oil breather tube extends about an inch south of the lower cowling and I can't yet locate the anti-ice hole. This may be causing a vacuum condition so I'll get with my master mechanic for a look-see before going further.

 

[Subsonic]

I have a breather question for this thread...

I have two breather lines. One from the back of the engine crankcase going straight to the atmosphere, and one from the wet vacuum pump, with an air/oil separator in this line. Both 5/8" aluminum tubes exit a bit below the firewall with aft facing slash cuts. I am in the camp where my oil level drops pretty quickly above 7 quarts, but stabilizes well around 6 qts. I have a B&C spin-on filter adapter on the back of the crankcase so that adds a little volume.

Reading Juergens post about the ASA separator; I like the idea, but was wondering if I could T both lines into the separator, and only have one outlet line. Not only would it de-clutter my firewall a bit, it might reduce my accelerated oil-loss above 6 quarts. Opinions appreciated.

 

[Steve Pierce]

It might create back pressure on the crankcase and blow out the nose seal. Maybe a larger vent tube to accommodate both.

 

[Pacer42Z]

Installed my ASA oil separator yesterday. I used their installation kit that came with all the hardware and hoses. Installation was straight forward. I’ll pick up my logbooks today and will be ready to fly the Pacer.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z

 

[JPerkins]

David,
The O-290-D2's usually have a slit cut in the hose that connects the breather tube to the case fitting in lieu of a whistle hole as it performs the same operation.

 

[DavidT]

David,
The O-290-D2's usually have a slit cut in the hose that connects the breather tube to the case fitting in lieu of a whistle hole as it performs the same operation.

I didn’t think of that. Thanks!

 

[Pacer42Z]

My Pacer never had the whistle hole in the breather tube. Have flown it like this for over 25 years and over 2,600 hours and I do fly in the winter in sub freezing temperatures. Never had a problem. Wouldn’t the air leaving the cowling be warm enough to prevent the breather tube end from freezing?
My mechanic asked me about the whistle hole when he inspected the installation. I showed him the breather tube that I had removed and he was fine with it to sign off the logbook.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z

 

[PACERGUY]

My Pacer never had the whistle hole in the breather tube. Have flown it like this for over 25 years and over 2,600 hours and I do fly in the winter in sub freezing temperatures. Never had a problem. Wouldn’t the air leaving the cowling be warm enough to prevent the breather tube end from freezing?
My mechanic asked me about the whistle hole when he inspected the installation. I showed him the breather tube that I had removed and he was fine with it to sign off the logbook.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z

It depends on several factors. Some pilots will run the hose into a baby bottle so the oil does not get all over the belly. That will lead to a water oil mix in the bottle and it can freeze and block the tube. If you breather tube is extended out past the bottom of the cowling it is much easier for and moisture to freeze and block the tube also. Planes left outside can also increase the amounts of ice that collect in the tube short runs may not melt it all out.
DENNY

 

[blue44]

how about a picture or two of your install Juergen ?

 

[Pacer42Z]

Here are two pictures I have. The one shows how the return line connects to the engine case using the hardware I purchased from ASA. It made the installation really easy and straightforward.

Juergen
Pacer N3342Z