Aeroshell 100, 120 or 15w-50?

[Nova RV]

Originally Posted by bkervaski

So that's concerning. At 50 hours should I go ahead and switch to w100 plus instead of the 100 straight mineral oil to avoid any build up that a later switch to w100 plus may dislodge?

Yes, this was right from Jeff (Mr. Thunderbolt) at Lycoming to switch to AD oil as soon as break in is completed.

[DanH]

Ever looked up the kinematic viscosity values for Aeroshell W100 Plus and Aeroshell 15W-50?

At 40C (104F), they are 200 and 140, the multigrade being less of course. Being less, it pumps easily. Among other little details, it means the oil filter bypass is less likely to be opening.

At 100C (212F), they are 20.2 and 19.6...no practical difference.

So, yes, the multigrade is much superior in the cold, with no compromise when hot. 100W offers no additional protection in the summer.

https://www.shell.com/business-custo...-book-3peo.pdf

Look at Viscosity Index too. 15W-50's higher VI simply means it is less thick when cold and less thin when hot.

Lycoming says 20W50 or 15W50 are "all temperature". There is no reason to switch back and forth between straight and multigrade.

[RV6_flyer]

Originally Posted by DanH

Ever looked up the kinematic viscosity values for Aeroshell W100 Plus and Aeroshell 15W-50?

At 40C (104F), they are 200 and 140, the multigrade being less of course. Being less, it pumps easily. Among other little details, it means the oil filter bypass is less likely to be opening.

At 100C (212F), they are 20.2 and 19.6...no practical difference.

So, yes, the multigrade is much superior in the cold, with no compromise when hot. 100W offers no additional protection in the summer.

https://www.shell.com/business-custo...-book-3peo.pdf

Look at Viscosity Index too. 15W-50's higher VI simply means it is less thick when cold and less thin when hot.

Lycoming says 20W50 or 15W50 are "all temperature". There is no reason to switch back and forth between straight and multigrade.

I agree with what Dan said.

Just like primers, you will get as many different opinions on oil as there are oils. Sticking with what the engine manufacturer or builder recommends and you will not go wrong.

Once oil consumption stabilizes after overhaul / break-in, any of the AD oils that are recommended by the engine people will be good.

I always use the multi-weight oils for the reasons Dan posted. I like and have good luck with Phillips 20W-50M for break-in.

[chrispratt]

Originally Posted by bkervaski

.....
Based on this should my 100 hour be 15w-50, w100 Plus, or should I stick with the mineral oil?

Many years ago I asked an Aeroshell rep this same question. He said that for the Texas climate the 100W+ was fine year-round and also the least expensive.

Unless you do a lot of cross-country flying to the North during winter, I would think the advice would apply to your situation as well. 750 hours later, engine runs great (knock on wood), takes about 1 qt every 12-14 hours. (O-360 A1A).

My 2 cents.

Chris

[rocketbob]

I've opened up a lot of engines that use Aeroshell.

I've opened up a lot of engines that use X/C.

If someone gave me a case of Aeroshell I would give it away.

If someone gave me a case of Camguard, I would sell it on ebay.

[Flyyak]

Mike Busch is the EAA oil guru. He has several webinar videos as it relates to engine overhaul, breakin and operation as it relates to engine wear, types of oil to use and what causes the most wear in our type piston engines. You will be surprised when you watch and take advantage of his extensive research.

[bkervaski]

I've opened up a lot of engines that use Aeroshell.

I've opened up a lot of engines that use X/C.

If someone gave me a case of Aeroshell I would give it away.

If someone gave me a case of Camguard, I would sell it on ebay.

Well .. so much for my order of w100 and Camguard from Spruce ..

[JonJay]

Originally Posted by bkervaski

Well .. so much for my order of w100 and Camguard from Spruce ..

funny.

I use Aeroshell 15-50 semisynthetic based on my own experience and the recommendation of a buddy who maintains a fleet of a couple dozen aircraft.
One oil for both airplanes year round to make it easy, not because it?s cheap, or even better.

I firmly believe if you fly often, at least once a month, keep your airplane in a decent environment, and change oil per the recommended 50 hours (with filter), you can use just about anything and reach TBO.

[woodmanrog]

Since break in, we have been using Exxon Elite 15/50. I have used this oil in 3 other RV's with great success. We are presently using 2 qts per 50 hrs. Blackstone oil analysis have been very positive for 200 hrs on the IO390.

[DanH]

Many years ago I asked an Aeroshell rep this same question. He said that for the Texas climate the 100W+ was fine year-round and also the least expensive.

Lycoming also has an opinion. Texas and Alabama both have lots of mornings with crankcase temps below 60F.