PerfTech
Well Known Member
... We fully understand the concerns of RV owners from reading the thread on this recent incident resulting in a forced landing, due to a clogged breather. This occurrence and one other on an RV-10 are the only ones we were made aware of ( even one is too many). The only models displaying serious coking potential have been the 10s and we suspended sales of the evacuation system to the 10s until we can be assured the problem no longer exists. We must add that several RV-10s have the system installed and are having no issues whatsoever. We are currently trying to sort out why and what is different. We sent out a service bulletin to everyone and also addressed this at length on the forums as a safety precaution (it now appears many were unaware and failed to receive it). We strongly advised everyone to inspect the tube into the exhaust at every oil change to be certain it is open and free of any serious clogging. A small amount, 1/16" or so is normal and not an issue. We also changed the design of the saddle clamp to further help eliminate the potential problem. Karl, the owner of the RV-8 with the forced landing has had this system installed for months and stated this; "The fitting has been installed for 24 months and has never been internally inspected". He didn't even inspect it at annual inspection or the problem would have been alleviated. We advise inspection at every oil change and if any significant build-up is detected to inspect more often than that. If significant build-up is detected then a second valve to vent off crankcase pressure should be installed. We have the parts for this in stock should you need them. This forced landing should not have happened and it appears the real problem is in the fact that we failed to get everyone adequately informed as to maintenance of the system. I have contacted him to supply what ever he needs to make him comfortable with his installation and we are thankful he is OK and no serious damages occurred. We have offered and supplied to experimental aircraft, this product with oil separators for over thirty years with sales of many thousands of units. To our knowledge there have been just these two incidents. We are working on a service bulletin to put on our website addressing these concerns with maintenance instructions Etc. If you have a question, concern or a good suggestion you would like to discuss, please give us a call. Thanks, Allan
Last edited: