Had one on my IVP and found after many hours that there was some conflict with the gear assembly when retracted and a small wear pattern was noticed. I am staying with the pan plug, rather safe than sorry.
Pat Brunner
--- On Thu, 10/9/08, Robert Pastusek <rpastusek@htii.com> wrote:
From: Robert Pastusek <rpastusek@htii.com>
Subject: [LML] Re: Oil Drain Sumps for the Continental engine
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2008, 6:47 AM
John Hafen wrote: Is there any reason I would NOT want to use [a quick drain] on the Lancair Continental? Have any of you had experience with these suckers, good or bad, on the Lancair?
I have a quick drain (different manufacturer, but same concept) installed on my IV-P, and love it so far. (only about 130 flight hours/four oil changes to date) It has all the benefits you describe, and my engine is clean and dry to this point.
We tried to install one on the “twin” to my airplane but even the very low profile unit was too close to the nose gear strut when retracted. This being a pretty critical item, we went back to the regular plug. As a result of this experience, I had Ron Monson at Performance Engines install a drain plug on the side of the oil pan where it is well clear of the nose gear linkage. This has been a good solution with no adverse effects I can determine.
I recommend you very carefully check the clearances with the gear linkage when you install one of these. With that consideration, I think they are a great addition to the airplane.
Bob
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