Front Engine Oil Quick Drain

[Mark Hislop]

For those tired of spilling hot oil on themselves while draining the oil from the front engine, there is an STC which allows you to put in a quick drain. The STC is available from Bogert Aviation, for $15. It uses a Piper part as the replacement for the sump plug. Bogert sells a machined nylon housing with a probe which connects a hose onto the quick drain to let the oil out.

Saf-Air also sells a STC'd quick drain. However, the Bogert STC is an airframe STC for the 337, whereas the Saf-Air has an STC for only the TCM engine. I went with the Bogert unit, even though I really liked the Saf-Air unit better (it had a threaded cap which went over the quick drain, which seems like one additional safety margin to me) because I thought it would be easier to get approval.

The IA approved the 337 form without a second glance.

The STC calls for at least 3/8" clearance between the quick drain and the nose gear. I had about 3/4" clearance.

Mark