Remove air/oil separator?

[n9144p]

I just upgraded my panel so I don't need a vacuum system. I'm removing the vacuum pump this annual - should I also take out the air/oil separator and go back to the original breather tube design? - a Piper Comanche with a Lycoming.

 

[Gary Ward]

I just upgraded my panel so I don't need a vacuum system. I'm removing the vacuum pump this annual - should I also take out the air/oil separator and go back to the original breather tube design? - a Piper Comanche with a Lycoming.

I am guessing that you have a wet vacuum pump?

 

[Magman]

I’ve been a fan of the system Piper used on PA-23’s. It was a can inside the

cowl that caught the effluent. While you don’t want it on the belly you

REALLY don’t want it back in the engine!

 

[Stewartb]

I like Anti Splat Aero’s crankcase vacuum in combination with a separator. It solves the problems with typical separator spooge. With a certificated Lycoming the best solution is to make a taller loop in the breather hose. Lycoming vents sit right above the accessory case gears and get oil slung into them. A taller loop allows slung oil to drain back into the crankcase before being pushed out onto the belly.

 

[n9144p]

I am guessing that you have a wet vacuum pump?

Yes, a wet pump that will be removed.

 

[Dana]

What do the oil separator and crankcase breather have to do with the vacuum pump?

I added an oil separator to the breather on my Hatz, just to keep the belly cleaner. No vacuum pump though.

 

[bonefishpete]

What do the oil separator and crankcase breather have to do with the vacuum pump?

I added an oil separator to the breather on my Hatz, just to keep the belly cleaner. No vacuum pump though.

Wet vacuum pump use engine oil to lubricate the pump. Dry pumps use carbon vanes that are self lubricated. Wet pumps are said to last forever.

 

[Dana]

Wet vacuum pump use engine oil to lubricate the pump. Dry pumps use carbon vanes that are self lubricated. Wet pumps are said to last forever.

Right, but how does that tie into the crankcase breather? Or is it a separate oil separator on the vac pump exhaust?