Tip: Cheaper Oil

alpinelakespilot2000 · #1 10-28-2011, 10:51 PM

In looking around for some Phillips X/C 20W50 to break in my new engine, I checked numerous "aviation" sources like the local FBO and Spruce. Spruce sells it for about $60/case + another $18 for shipping; the FBO wanted $84/case. On a lark, I contacted my local NAPA to see if they could order me in a case or two. They couldn't but they did recommend I check our local oil/petroleum/propane supplier. Lo and behold, I checked the one in town, A1 Petroleum. Though they don't generally stock aviation oil, they were happy to order me in a case or two and I was able to get it for $52/case with no shipping at all.

So, the long and short of the story... it's worth checking the yellow pages under "petroleum and oil suppliers" before you pay either inflated prices or huge shipping costs. I suppose the next best thing is to try to get the airshow-free shipping deal from Spruce, if they'll do that for oil.

gasman · #2 10-29-2011, 01:38 AM

Try to set up a group purchase through your local EAA chapter......... Usually good for another 10% off from your local jobber.

judoka5051 · #3 10-29-2011, 07:06 AM

I found cases for sale at Sam's.

9GT · #4 10-29-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judoka5051

I found cases for sale at Sam's.

The Sam's Club in Troy MI carried Aeroshell years ago but has stopped carrying it.

Bubblehead · #5 10-29-2011, 09:02 AM

We used to be able to buy Aeroshell at the Sam's Club in Daytona. There was enough demand for it from the air boat plus airplane people that they were carrying it. We moved away in 2001 and don't know if they do any more. It might be that other Sam's Clubs in other parts of the country could get it too.

alcladrv · #6 10-29-2011, 09:37 AM

[quote=So, the long and short of the story... it's worth checking the yellow pages under "petroleum and oil suppliers" before you pay either inflated prices or huge shipping costs. I suppose the next best thing is to try to get the airshow-free shipping deal from Spruce, if they'll do that for oil.[/QUOTE]

I've had the same good experience (i.e. cheaper prices) buying both Aeroshell and Conoco/Phillips oil from local distributors. The question that struck me was,"Where do the FBOs or corporate operators buy it from?" I turned their answer into my source, too.

Mike

hgerhardt · #7 10-29-2011, 01:42 PM

If you're in the LA area, AP Fisher in Long Beach has aviation oil. Just yesterday bought 3 cases of Phillips X/C 20W-50 at $58/case.

Bought that same oil there 3 years ago for $35/case. What the heck's going on with motor oil prices in the last couple of years? I know crude went up in that time, but 65% increase for motor oil? Sam's Club had AeroShell W100 for $21/case back in 2003.

Mel · #8 10-29-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hgerhardt

What the heck's going on with motor oil prices in the last couple of years? I know crude went up in that time, but 65% increase for motor oil? Sam's Club had AeroShell W100 for $21/case back in 2003.

Welcome to the world of inflation!

David-aviator · #9 10-29-2011, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alpinelakespilot2000

In looking around for some Phillips X/C 20W50 to break in my new engine....

Steve,

Phillips X/C 20W50 for break in?

Seems to me straight mineral oil is usually recommended for this process.

Fearless · #10 10-29-2011, 03:24 PM

David,

I thought that too but after going out onto the ECI site and reading their break-in procedures I ended up getting the X/C 20W50 for my engine. I have their cylinders on my overhauled O-320 so I will break the engine in with what they recommend.