Steve,

I noticed that my sniffle valve would expel a fuel/oil fluid during the early break-in of my engine.  I would notice a small spot (2" diameter) of this "snot" on the floor of my hangar floor after my plane had been shutdown and parked.  However, after break-in my engine stopped producing this delightful product. 

Also, the discharge tubing coming out of my sniffle valve protrudes about an eighth inch below my cowling so that any fluid being expelled will drain free from the cowl instead of clinging to the bottom of the cowl and run aft along the belly of my plane.

Regarding oil level, I run my engine between six and seven quarts and it seems to be a good compromise.  When I see six quarts I add one.  I do not have an air/oil separator and get some oil on the belly but not much.

I hope this helps. 

I look forward to seeing you and Claudette at Golden West.

Jim Thomas
Legacy