Aeroshell VS Phillips XC

[apkp777]

Not many recent postings on this topic. I am getting ready to assemble my engine and was planning on using the Phillips XC multi (mostly because of the name). I used Phillips in my Chereokee, but had no opinion based on facts.

Anyone have a strong opinion?

[Daver]

The Phillips X/C does not contain Lycoming's approved anti scuff additive (cant remember the part number but you an buy it from ACS)

Aero Shell has the stuff in their oil.

Don't know if its important.

I bought a case of Phillips X/C (mostly because the log book for my used engine shows the Phillips at oil change time) and I'm pondering if I should buy the additive.

I think its about $23 for enough to treat a crankcase of oil.

Maybe somebody around here can enlighten us.

Dave
-9A FWF kit
N514R

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Daver

The Phillips X/C does not contain Lycoming's approved anti scuff additive (cant remember the part number but you an buy it from ACS)

Aero Shell has the stuff in their oil.

.....Dave
-9A FWF kit
N514R

..."plus" versions of the straight weight oil have the Lycoming anti-scuff additive - and more $$$ at purchase...

[N395V]

For all that has been written on this subject, all the quoted facts, all the conjecture and logic spouted, my best guess is...................................

If you take 3 groups of O-360 or IO 360 Lycomings , 1,000 engines in each group.

Run group 1 on exclusively Aeroshell, group 2 exclusively on Phillips, group3 on Aero whatever with really expensive additives.

Let good pilots, bad pilots, experienced pilots and new pilots fly them all randomly until all the engines fail you will find that the average time to failure in each group is statistically the same.

[Rick_A]

I have a TMX-O360 from Mattituck, so it's an ECI motor. ECI recommends Phillips X/C for break-in and normal use.

I ran the 1st 50 hours with Phillips X/C. However, many people use Aero Shell Mineral oil for break-in.

I switched to Aero Shell 100W after 50 hours. When I got to 125 hrs I started using Aero Shell 100W plus.

[RV6_flyer]

I removed 4 Superior Investment Cast head with steel barrels cylinders from my O-320 after 2,100 hours. I used AeroShell 15-50 almost exclusively except for using Phillips 20-50M for break-in the first 25 hours. When the cylinders were removed, the cross-hatch was still in the cylinders and they measured out as NEW spec including the choke. I used 1 quart every 25-hours for the first 500 hours then went up to one (1) quart every six (6) hours when I removed the cylinders after 2,100 hours.

I replaced the cylinders with ECI Titan Steel cylinders. I broke the ECI cylinders in on Phillips 20-50M for 25 hours. I have been using Phillips X/C 20-50 since then. After 171.6 hobbs hours since installing the new cylinders and using Phillips X/C 20-50, the oil consumption is one (1) quart every 45-hours. I have never heard of an aircraft engine going that long without using a quart. Maybe I have the only one. Report in if you can go that long without adding oil. I have not added oil between changes but instead change it a little bit early.

When oil change time comes, I have 6-quarts of X/C 20-50 left. I like the idea of the Lycoming additive. I will more than likely switch back to AeroShell 15-50 once all the Phillips is used up. The cost delta for the Phillips XC 20-50 plus the Lycoming additive was equal to the cost of the AeroShell 15-50. I purchased the Phillips X/C at A P Fischer as they are close enough for me to pick it up from them. http://www.apfischer.com/ Aircraft Spruce is a little bit longer drive and may have price matched them. I also have a local AeroShell dealer close to my hangar but they are the same price as A P Fischer near where I live.

With the Constant Speed prop, I am ready to fly at 70 degrees F oil temp. If I use the 100+, I need to wait till I hit 100 degrees F oil temp till the prop cycles the same as it does on the 15-50 or 20-50.

Ask any oil man or engineer and they will tell you that the multi-weight oil is thinner at low temp when compared to a straight weight. When you get to an ELEVATED temperature (above normal operating temp) the multi-weight oil will be thicker than the straight weight oil.

I spend a little bit more of my hard earned money on the multi-weight oil. Based on my experience with it over the 2,100 hours, I think it was worth it. Maybe I would have had no wear with the straight weight. The cost delta is not something that I am going to worry about to experiment with on my engine. All new car manufacturers that I know of recommend multi-weight oil for their engines. I do not know of any present new car manufacturer that recommends a straight weight oil. Do you have to use a multi-weight oil in our aircraft engine to make it last a long time? NO.

[slyfox]

I use the Phillips X/c 20-50. I have the XP360. I put in one quart in 50hrs. I don't put in the quart until I have 40hrs. So I guess your not the only one. I have my oil at 6quarts on the stick.

[sgoldin]

Consumer Aviation and Mike Bush in particular (Bush has a 310 he has run both engines past TBO) have lots of info on oil. I will try to sumerize. A/C tested most of the aviation oils and for corrosion believe exon and then shell multi weights are the best. If you fly on a regular basis this does not seem to be an issue.

Cam Guard has been touted by Mike Bush as being better than the multi weights at corrosion protection.

Single weight oils if you fly often (shell 100W) seem to do as good a job at long engine life.

Hope this helps.

[apkp777]

ECI Recommends the Phillips XC multi. Spruce sells the Phillips for $52.50 per case and the Aeroshell multi for $72.75.

Here's my current thought. I will use the Phillips for the 1st 50 hours then go with Aeroshell. The thinking is the anti-scuffing additive being the deciding factor after initial break-in.

I don't mind spending the $$ for the Aeroshell, just prefer no if its not worth it. Sounds like it might be.

[nomocom]

Originally Posted by apkp777

Anyone have a strong opinion?

I see WS is home? If you plan on doing any cold starts, I'd pick the Aeroshell. I've used both products, the Phillips XC about 800 hours in an 0-360. When checking the oil on a cold engine, the Aeroshell doesn't look so viscous, leading me to think better for the engine on a cold start. High temps- I'm not sure yet, but I think it may be a bit better on the high temps side, with a couple pounds more oil pressure.