Engine oil, what are you using?

Bartman

Bartman

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I've been using Phillips 20W-50 just because that's what my hangar-mate would bring home when he made an oil run. I'm an independent man now and I'm just thinking if I should have been using 20W-50 in my 800-and-something hour O-235-C1.

Any opinions out there?

My IA said he's a big believer in Cam Guard as an additive but I haven't tried it yet, fwiw.

Thanks!
 
I use xc20-50 in everything, and have seen no problems when I switch to it in high time engines. I also run camguard, but my planes go into periods of sitting for several months. If I know for sure that my engine will sit for 5 months or more I'll service it with Phillips storage oil.
 
I use mostly Aeroshell 100W. So far, good results over a half century. I think you need Camguard if you sit for longer than a couple weeks in high humidity.
 
Bartman said:
No replies to an oil thread? What is this world coming to??????
Click to expand...
For oil threads I typically just start the popcorn and watch the discussion implode. I guess this isn't a motorcycle of high performance car forum so it might be safe to dip a toe into it.

In my Citabria I ran Aeroshell 80W Plus, because that is what had been run in it before I bought it. Maybe it is just superstition on my part but if I buy a vehicle and it has only had one type of oil run through it (and it's doing well) I just keep pouring the exact same stuff into it.

In the radial engine planes we ran Phillips 25W-60 (aka "the thick stuff"), purchased in cases of the big jugs of course. When my radial engine shows up for my Kitfox build the manufacturer specifies Phillips so that is all it will ever see.
 
I run Aeroshell 100W Plus, for the very scientific reason that the guy I bought the plane from said that is what he used. I am in a very warm climate.

I did switch to Phillips 20W-50 for one trip up north. I got oil leaks. When I switched back to straight 100W, no leaks. Go figure.
 
I have heard that. I used a couple cases of Phillips 50 wt ashless dispersant - no problems at all. Difficult to believe there is much difference between oils, except for synthetic.
 
I really don't think it matters what oil is used. As long as its approved, and changed regularly.

Now, I heard of a few guys running Rotella, diesel oil, and they have their arguments, and I wont buy their engines.
 
Aeroshell 100W. I prefer to run what the previous owner ran and its a solid standard. Cam Guard and Plus can't hurt but I change my oil every 90 days or 25 hours (C-85 no filter) and don't worry about corrosion as I fly it.
 
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