Valin wrote:

Hey LML gang, we’re finalizing our firewall layout and the Lancair Legacy manual says the Continental IO-550 engine does not require an air/oil separator.  Still, I’ve noticed some IO-550’s flying with them and some without.  Would appreciate advice from the community on whether we should install one…

Valin,

I used an Andair unit on my TSIO-550E and have been most pleased with it. Tried to chase down a Continental unit, and the cost scared me. When I also had trouble finding one, my decision to go with the Andair unit was done. Separator mounted high up against the bottom of the upper cowl, and behind the air baffle/back left cylinder. Oil drain line back  into the crankcase, and the breather line “Ys” into my left exhaust pipe about 2 inches above the end. At 1100 hours, oil consumption is negligible (less  than 1 qt/50 hours). The only “complaint” is that the exhaust (with probably a bit of oil residue) accumulates on the left bottom side of the tail (but not the right). I expect this is the exhaust/prop swirl, but it is devilishly hard to get off the paint. Since I have Judy to help me clean it, I’ve not bothered to extend the exhaust or otherwise work this problem… J

Bob