The previous owner had installed a quick drain and oil filter system. I rode a motorcycle for many years that just had an oil screen, I like the simplicity. Any input on reverting my Lycoming AEIO 320 to the oil screen. Oil filter is like $50 bucks and at 50 hours the oil is looking pretty tired. I find myself changing the oil even with a filter way before that… anyone have an extra oil screen and the parts I would need?
Removing the quick drain and oil filter
- Thread starter Ptripn
- Start date
Derek Lawless
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Curious why you’d remove the quick drain?
A filter screen and housing should be easy to source through a local shop. I've got several in a pile from installing filters. I'm sure they do too.
I understand the oil filter vs screen debate.
But I would leave the quick drain valve..... After all, you'll be doing more oil changes.
I understand the oil filter vs screen debate.
But I would leave the quick drain valve..... After all, you'll be doing more oil changes.
Seems like one more thing that can screw up. (Keep it simple)
Bob Turner
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Yeah - they will leak after a very long time. At least you will not strip any threads.
Also… I’m looking for some Tiger Chocks the 200 size made from urethane, 2 pairs. Thanks
There was a study done comparing the original screen to reusable filters and the disposable filters we're all familiar with. The disposable filters were far more effective at removing contaminants from the oil, the reusable filters were poor and the original screens were worse. Considering what an overhaul costs, filters are cheap and oil changes can still be done at 25 hour intervals to get the best of both options.
I'll try to find the filter study somewhere, I think it was the Van's community that conducted it.
Oil Filter Testing - KITPLANES
Some aviation oil filters fall short of efficiency standards, but still protect engines—barely. Understand what yours really does.
www.kitplanes.com
Filter Test Results
The results are in. Previous organizational thread here: https://vansairforce.net/threads/oil-filter-testing.223689/ Please support and thank our many individual donors, and our two vendor sponsors, Barrett Precision Engines and CamGuard. There are many interesting details, and research...
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The filter does a much better job filtering the oil over a screen. But I understand the cost aspect and dealings with cutting and inspecting a filter vs a screen.
That said, I know several folks that don't bother pulling and cleaning their screens because of the mess it makes and the time it takes to clean and reinstall. A filter is far quicker to change. And cleaner. I'm by no means encouraging or condoning the practice of NOT checking your screen at oil changes..... But you could still just change your oil at 25 hrs and filter every 50....
That said, I know several folks that don't bother pulling and cleaning their screens because of the mess it makes and the time it takes to clean and reinstall. A filter is far quicker to change. And cleaner. I'm by no means encouraging or condoning the practice of NOT checking your screen at oil changes..... But you could still just change your oil at 25 hrs and filter every 50....
I have a screen, I’ll leave it be, but I don’t work my plane.
If I worked the plane I’d 100% go to a spin on, as taking the plane off the flight line every 25hrs vs 50hrs is not conducive to making money.
Per the quick drain as long as it’s installed properly and nothing it pushing on it, 100% leave it be, these don’t really fail or anything, you’ll find most planes that are active on the flight line all will have them.
If I worked the plane I’d 100% go to a spin on, as taking the plane off the flight line every 25hrs vs 50hrs is not conducive to making money.
Per the quick drain as long as it’s installed properly and nothing it pushing on it, 100% leave it be, these don’t really fail or anything, you’ll find most planes that are active on the flight line all will have them.
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Plus they usually make it easy to attach a hose to drain the oil
Bob Turner
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So what's the data on filter vs screen for actually wearing out an engine? That's the important part.
And today, when folks simply yank the engine for overhaul at TBO, are we sure the contaminants are even a factor?
And today, when folks simply yank the engine for overhaul at TBO, are we sure the contaminants are even a factor?
it's impossible to know without having intimate knowledge of how and when the engine was run.
Reducing contaminants in a gas fueled engine's oil isn't a sound strategy for prolonging the life of said engine?
Bob Turner
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Sure it is. But if you pull the engine at TBO . . .
We have a Cub well beyond TBO strong as ever. Cubs rarely have filters.
Our engines can go to 4000 hours - if flown regularly and given a little care. At $50 for a filter I submit that changing the oil at, say, 15 hours is cheaper.
I have no idea - I am guessing - but my thought is that if you are really getting that much contamination a filter might not help much.
We have a Cub well beyond TBO strong as ever. Cubs rarely have filters.
Our engines can go to 4000 hours - if flown regularly and given a little care. At $50 for a filter I submit that changing the oil at, say, 15 hours is cheaper.
I have no idea - I am guessing - but my thought is that if you are really getting that much contamination a filter might not help much.
Bob Turner
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We had one guy with a Husky who ovehauled his prop every two years. For him that was every ten flight hours. My favorite shop will do a top overhaul when one cylinder goes bad. It is a philosophy.
I personally cannot afford such things; when a cylinder goes bad I fix the offending valve, seat, and maybe the guide.
I personally cannot afford such things; when a cylinder goes bad I fix the offending valve, seat, and maybe the guide.