oil return tubes

[RobertD]

In searching for some elusive oil leaks, I removed the aluminum oil return tubes from my 0-360 and found cracked flares on two of them, and very thin flares on the other two. A simple case of aggressive over-tightening over the past seven years.

I can remember making a couple of these years ago, and having an a&p lend me his beading tool for the rubber hose end. I've since sold my flaring tool, though, so have no way of fabricating these myself.

My question is: are these tubes always custom fabricated to the engine, or are there off-the-shelf versions available? I can probably get my mechanic to make me a set, but I'm just wondering if there's an alternative.

also, has anyone used some sort of braided hose to replace the aluminum/rubber combo? I've had a number of leak problems with this setup over the years and would love to find a better solution.

thanks,

[jaypee]

Your favorite engine parts place (J & J, Aero) should have these in stock.

Jerald King
-8 Fiberglass canopy skirts- yuck
Tucson