Air/Oil Separators: Must Haves? We Say No

Volume 35
Number 7
July 2005

If you have a wet vacuum pump, you’ll need one but otherwise, tune up the breather system first. Of the two major brands, our pick is the Airwolf.

Many pre-1980s Bonanzas have wet vacuum pumps and were equipped with factory air/oil separators.

by Kim Santerre

Are air/oil separators must-have equipment? To read the advertising claims of the two leading suppliers of these gadgets, you’d assume so. One of the suppliers claims you’ll banish oil mist from the airplane belly, enjoy better cooling and longer engine life thanks to a crankcase that can be kept topped off with oil.

Are these claims true? Comments from owners flying with air/oil separators suggest that pilots who have installed them are generally satisfied with the investment, although performance may be mixed and some report no success with them at all. …

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