After the first flight it was evident there were oil leaks. There was oil from the breather pipe but this may have been due to carry over (dipstick 7 quarts) and it also appeared it was from the inverted oil pick up hose at the shuttle valve, though oil was evident above this location around the oil filter/mech fuel pump. The hose like all the others in the inverted system had been pressure checked. It was removed checked and refitted.
I flew with the test pilot for 30 minutes on the second flight and again there was an oil leak and this time it appeared to be from the oil filter area. You may recall that I sought permission from Aero Sport Power to use a K&N HP-1002 filter as the Champion was interfering with the Inverted Oil Pick Up hose from the Vac Adaptor. The filter was removed the seal checked and a new K&N Filter and seal was fitted and the whole area degreased.
I carried out a cowling on engine warm up and two take off runs at the request of the test pilot, who was away. Returning to the hangar again revealed an oil leak. To eliminate the K&N Filter as an issue we fitted a Champion filter and carried out a cowling off run with an observer present (thank you Malcolm). He noticed oil spraying from the temp sensor washer area.
The temp sensor is a Westach 3999S9 and fitted with the supplied MS35769-11 copper crush gasket torqued in accordance with Lycoming Standard Torque Table 3 (SSP1776) - 135 degrees after contact. The sensor was removed and after cleaning we noticed a crack (see photo).
Sent an email to Aero Sport Power which arrived in Canada on Mon 28 May. On Thursday 31st May the replacement part and gaskets were on my wifes desk at her office. I was working the Friday but on the Saturday the part was fitted and the ground run showed no leaks (thanks Phil). The service from Aero Sport Power was superb and reinforced my decision to buy from them.
