What Oil Do You Run?

Discussions specific to Lycoming engines

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Downeast25
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What Oil Do You Run?

Post by Downeast25 »

I am approaching an oil change and wonder if anyone has done the research if it truly makes a difference what oil you run in your 40. I find most people where I fly go with the Phillips X/C 20/50. That is the most readily available. There are two other product however I can buy, one is the Aeroshell and the other Exxon Elite.
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ricksigler
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by ricksigler »

I use Aeroshell 15/50. Don't know if it makes any difference, but it gets cold here at KABQ in the winter and I like the semi synthetic mix.
Last edited by ricksigler on Thu Jun 22, 2017 1:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Steve
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by Steve »

Exxon Elite 20/50 since after break-in (15 years).

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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by dafzero »

I use Phillips X/C 20/50. However Mike Busch recommends using single grade oils during warm temperatures and multi grade oils when it's cold. Here's a link to the article which will tell you a Lot about oil in aviation piston engines. https://www.savvyaviation.com/wp-conten ... ut-oil.pdf
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1911Tex
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by 1911Tex »

Phillips 20-50 with Camguard
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Kurt h
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by Kurt h »

Asroshell 15w50 since I bought the plane with 300 hrs. Now at 2000 hrs with no issues.

Years ago my first mechanic recommended 15w50 because it had an additive pack that Phillips and Exxon do not (I think similar to Camguard? Can't recall). And he sold Phillips! Don't have the details or a link for you but might be worth some quick research.
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Rich
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by Rich »

Aeroshell 15w/50 has an additive equivalent to LW16702 that Lycoming recommends to prevent spalling of cam lifters. I used it since new without problems until Nov. 2013, when I switched to Philips XC 20W/50 (with no additives).

Engine was removed in April 2015 and underwent major repair work due to (wait for it) lifter/cam spalling. After breaking in the newly (essentially) top-overhauled engine, on advice from the repair facility and my current mechanic, I now use Philips but with Camguard. Make of this what you will.
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by rwtucker »

Exxon Elite with Camguard. Since I usually fly with 5 qts., I use a half bottle of Camguard each time.
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Lance Murray
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by Lance Murray »

It seems everyone runs something different. I run Aeroshell 100Wplus.
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Re: What Oil Do You Run?

Post by rwtucker »

These questions point to how difficult is is to get controlled data on variables like oil. I can see how a well designed study could be executed within DAN. Maybe it is something we should consider.
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