Oil return lines

[erich weaver]

Trying to get to the bottom of an annoying oil leak on my -7A and it looks like it may be one or more of the oil return lines. Got the short rubber hoses replaced and switched over to the constant tension clamps so hoping that takes care of it, but looking at the hardware on either side of the short rubber hoses made me wonder why the hoses are there at all. Couldn’t each line be done with continuous aluminum tubing and AN fittings on both ends? The lines aren’t all that long and both ends attach to the engine so shaking shouldn’t be an issue. Might be a little tough tightening up the lower connections due to space limitations, but probably doable. Leaking oil return lines is a common problem and seems like this would be a permanent solution.

 

[Ironflight]

Actually, there are slow motion videos out there of Lycoming cylinder heads moving around relative to the crankcase (and each other) that’ll scare the bejeebers out of you if you let them…. That relative motion would tear up a rigid line pretty fast!

Tom at TS Flightlines has a really cool solution - AN fittings at each end with a flex line from head to case…really trick!

 

[erich weaver]

Tom at TS Flightlines has a really cool solution - AN fittings at each end with a flex line from head to case…really trick!

Oooh, I like that solution! Havent seen those before

 

[TS Flightlines]

Oooh, I like that solution! Havent seen those before

Kinda like this----Uses AN816-6D nipples in the case. Slightly different lengths and configurations depending on the engine.
Tom

 

[[email protected]]

The engine will destroy an all aluminum line in probably a few hours with vibration. Way more going on there than meats (ha ha ) the eye. Order or make up a set of flexible lines and you can do away with the clamps and all the fuss.
My luck varies FIXIT

 

[jrs14855]

The engine will destroy an all aluminum line in probably a few hours with vibration. Way more going on there than meats (ha ha ) the eye. Order or make up a set of flexible lines and you can do away with the clamps and all the fuss.
My luck varies FIXIT

I don't attach anything to those lines, especially starter or alternator wiring.

 

[Darren Kerns]

I had Tom make me a set for my Superior IO-360 180 hp on my RV7. Best money I ever spent. You will love them.
Respectfully,
Darren Kerns
RV7 N599DT

 

[jackking123]

If an aircraft engine is not leaking oil it has no oil in it... Ha ha. Yes a million places to leak... and a leak is always millionth plus one.

I love the creative over kill, that only experimental aircraft can do... I am sure there are 100 regulations why this can't be done on Cert Std Cat GA plane with a Lyc... and none of them matter and the approved design has major drawbacks.