Sniffle Valve Question

[tstrohmayer]

We've discovered at least two different style sniffle valves (drain valves) installed on RG's. The first is a 90 deg fitting that looks like a standard AN fitting but has a checkvalve built in. The second is a straight brass fitting. We think there might be clearance issues with the latter, so we're trying to determine how many aircraft use straight fittings and how many use angle fittings. The parts manual is not a great resource in this example, because most aircraft do not necessarily have the original fitting still installed. Attached it a photo of the angle fitting. Please let us know what type of valve your airplane has.

[nedclapp]

Attached is a picture of the sniffle valve on my 1977 Cardinal RG (N45359, Serial #177RG1112).


NED CLAPP

[paulmillner]

Hi Tom,

I've seen a few Cardinal RGs over the years, and can only remember one straight fitting... I think the story there was that they'd allowed the engine to be sent back to Lycoming as a core without removing the fitting (always a bummer...) and so substituted a "handy" fitting.

Paul

[apetro2]

Mine has the angled sniffle valve. AP

[bwallen]

My Cardinal RG (N7555V; SN 177RG0851) has the angled valve fitting like the one in your picture.

Bruce Wallen

[dahlin]

Mine is also angled. Don Dahlin 77RG N52637

[lkdysinger]

Mine is an angled fitting.
N53073

[cardmarc]

I have two spare "sniffle valves" fabricated by Cessna when I changed my engine...special order......it is a 90 degree special Cessna part (somebody need one?). See attached pictures. Also, I have a stand by manifold vacuum take off fitting replacing them at the bottom of the manifold as well; it one is both a 90 and a Tee screwed together, one for the drain, the other for the vac source to the alt vac block leading to the pump and regulator. Will take picture of that (presently mounted) when I have my cowl off next week.

[cardmarc]

Originally Posted by cardmarc

I have two spare "sniffle valves" fabricated by Cessna when I changed my engine...special order......it is a 90 degree special Cessna part (somebody need one?). See attached pictures. Also, I have a stand by manifold vacuum take off fitting replacing them at the bottom of the manifold as well; it one is both a 90 and a Tee screwed together, one for the drain, the other for the vac source to the alt vac block leading to the pump and regulator. Will take picture of that (presently mounted) when I have my cowl off next week.

Here is an update to the above. Attached you will see a picturesof my existing manifold drain fitting with the double adaptor. It consists of several parts; a union, a T, an adapter, and a another adaptor for the vac line on one side; on the other anotherside an adaptor for a smaller manifold drain line. I am removing this assembly and installing the Cessna made 'sniffle valve' pictured, because the Cessna valve has an internal check valve and none of the other adaptors have that at all. I will need a T and an adaptor to adapt the "new" valve to the vac hose pipe and to the drain.

[jimbtv]

One more addition:

I have (2) Cardinal RG's at the moment and I just checked the sniffle valve at the bottom of the 2nd engine. It is the straight version, I believe to be part number 75444.

This engine was most recently returned to Lycoming for a zero-time rebuild and evidence points to the fact that it came from the factory with the straight sniffle valve.

Another discussion of the AOPA Forum's "Mechanic's Bench" indicates that the 90 degree part is 2016015-1, and nearly impossible to find. I have to think that they are coming out of the factory with the 75444 these days.

This engine belongs on N7605V and I don't intend to add the Powerflow exhaust to this aircraft. I will be adding the new exhaust system to N2149Q which does have the 90 degree valve in place. But possibly the future owner of 05V will want the Powerflow system too. At this point it may be easier to accommodate the straight valve instead of expecting future IO360-A1B6D owners to source the older 2016015-1 valve. I don't think that Lycoming is even using this valve anymore.

It might be worth a call to Lycoming and/or Cessna at this point.