Luddite, [video:youtube]Morgan 3 Wheeler, sump drain
http://youtu.be/GHoQuSBsyZU[/video]
Would agree with pretty much everything you've written here. I would point out, though, that the M3W is not direct injection, nor does it have an AOS, just an unfiltered calibrated opening into the inlet manifold.
My conjecture is that wet sumping is not endemic to the X-wedge
design, but instead related to inadequate manufacturing quality control of the oil pump. Changing oil to a non recommended, non synthetic should only be viewed as a short term fix. Better to address the underlying issue and replace the oil pump, which is admittedly expensive.
As an additional data point, my machine has about 10k miles, runs 20-50 synthetic (H-D spec) and I started it a few days ago for the first time since early November-so a pretty long lay up. It also has an added AOS setup with a clear reservoir which allows me to see what's being pumped out of the camchest on it's way to the intake. The AOS captured only a tiny amount of frothy oil during the 5 minute warm up period. That of course does not mean I have zero wet sumping going on, only that it is low enough that neat oil isn't being sucked out of the camchest area.
If we were to take a comprehensive survey of how many machines have wet sumping issues vs how many do not, I think that would be useful. We should also remember the rule of forums: negative posts on vehicle problems dominate, as the owners without issues are out enjoying their machines vs searching forums for answers.
