Oil line run for c/s prop.

[Steve Sampson]

I am building a -4 with an Superior O-320. Aerosport set it up so the oil line to the MT c/s unit on the back of the engine runs along the top of the sump on the RHS. This I believe is normal, and the VANS baffle kit expects the oil line to run this route.

My question is this. It seems to me that it would be MUCH easier for this line to run over the top of the push rod tubes and penetrate the baffle in the rear wall, just in front of the top of the engine mount. Is this ever done? What is against it?

The advantages are a) you are not penetrating the baffle in the very narrow area right behind the prop., and b)you are not running the oil line in the confined area between the exhausts and the engine where you want to run the electrics. It would have all the room in the world on the top of the engine and allow for a much less stressful baffle penetration in the rear wall.

Am I missing something?

Thanks.