Catch Cans
Hi,
(Reference: Sonex Legacy(A)/Rotax 912 ULS)
One again I seek your collective council.
I am struggling with the unpleasant idea of putting holes in my lower cowling, to accommodation the oil tank breather and the fuel pump drain. We have spent so much time and effort on making a custom cowling, the last thing I want to do is put holes in it IF there is an alternative.
It seems to me that two translucent, in cowling, catch cans, - one for the oil tank breather and one for the fuel pump drain, is a more attractive possibility.
Translucent so that the level of any "captured" fluids can be readily seen at pre flight inspection.
Further;
The fuel pump drain is only there for a failure of the fuel pump diaphragm - draining petrol overboard may not warn the pilot of the failure. A catch can would hopefully hold the fuel until inspection (no flying that day). If 5 year replacement up to date should rarely have anything in it.
The oil tank breather is likely to emit a nearly continues oily vapour/mist. Capturing the condensed vapour will - give a measure of oil blow by, over time ( I can keep a record) - reduce unsightly staining of the aircraft underbelly.
So;
What do you think of the concept? (pros/cons?)
If you have done this - where did you get your catch cans?
