Oil return line interference IO390 EXP - SOLUTION

The “stock” oil return line delivered with my Thunderbolt interferes with the intake snorkel. Two options. Modify snorkel or bend a new oil return line. Prior to bending the line I called Steve at Aircraft Specialty. As it turns out he recently provided a similar line for another customer. Steve sent me one to try. It fit like a glove and no more interference. Really a nice routing that also fits nicely with the baffles installed. I’m not sure how much those lines vary from the manufacturer but I’d suspect that those installing the EXP engine may run into a similar interference situation. If so, give Steve a call!

By the way some may note my B&C Starter. I’ll do a write up on that upgrade soon. This premium starter does work on the IO-390 EXP but requires some minor snorkel surgery. More to come.

Not sure why my pictures show up sideways

I had exactly the same situation with my IO-360 back in 2003, so this is not Thunderbolt-specific. I cut the flare off and shortened that last segment by a bit and re-flared. But being able to buy a ready-made part is nice...