An air compressor system having an air/oil separator for use with an air compressor, the air/oil separator including a separator tank having a side wall with an air exit port; a separator element hold down mechanism between the separator element and a lid mounted on the separator tank; and a separator element oil scavenge device which scavenges oil from the bottom of the separator element and passes the scavenged oil through the side wall of the separator tank. A method of replacing a separation element in a separation chamber of the air/oil separator including the steps of removing the separator element from the separation chamber without disconnecting the scavenge device attached thereto, and positioning a replacement separator element within the separation chamber, such that a scavenge device securely affixed thereto is caused to communicate with the side wall of the separator tank.