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petehowell

petehowell

Well Known Member
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At 2700 hrs we overhauled the Titan O-320, and since then, she has used a qt of oil every 10 hrs like clockwork. However, since the 3000 hr oil change, she has gone over 33 hrs and has burned 5/8th of a qt. Here is the difference - at the 3000 hrs, I started adding 1/8 qt only when the oil showed below 4qts on the dipstick, whereas previously, I'd add a 1/2 qt when the oil showed below 5 qts on the dipstick.

I understand that the min oil qty is 2 qts for the O-320. I'd like to keep more oil in the sump, but it seems it only provides corrosion protection for my belly.

I've been running 20w-50 XC for the entire 3000+ hours. If it matters, before overhaul, I used a qt - every 25-30 hours using the add 1/2 qt below 5 qt protocol.

Thoughts?
 
Thoughts? How accurate is your dipstick? I have seen folks using factory-marked dipsticks intended for nosewheel aircraft on taildraggers, and they’ve been off by a quart! Are you sure you know how much oil is in the sump?
 
Ironflight said:
Thoughts? How accurate is your dipstick? I have seen folks using factory-marked dipsticks intended for nosewheel aircraft on taildraggers, and they’ve been off by a quart! Are you sure you know how much oil is in the sump?
Click to expand...
Good question Paul - the dipstick was marked by another dipstick(me) - when new, and validated at overhaul, by filling one qt at time up to 7 qts, so I think it is pretty accurate.
 
petehowell said:
Good question Paul - the dipstick was marked by another dipstick(me) - when new, and validated at overhaul, by filling one qt at time up to 7 qts, so I think it is pretty accurate.
Click to expand...

Ha Ha! Good answer, “Dipstick”. Guess I’m a Dipstick too. I did the same thing, and I get the same oil consumption you did on your first 3000 hours (although I’m only at 200). Hope it continues.
 
petehowell said:
At 2700 hrs we overhauled the Titan O-320, and since then, she has used a qt of oil every 10 hrs like clockwork. However, since the 3000 hr oil change, she has gone over 33 hrs and has burned 5/8th of a qt. Here is the difference - at the 3000 hrs, I started adding 1/8 qt only when the oil showed below 4qts on the dipstick, whereas previously, I'd add a 1/2 qt when the oil showed below 5 qts on the dipstick.

I understand that the min oil qty is 2 qts for the O-320. I'd like to keep more oil in the sump, but it seems it only provides corrosion protection for my belly.

I've been running 20w-50 XC for the entire 3000+ hours. If it matters, before overhaul, I used a qt - every 25-30 hours using the add 1/2 qt below 5 qt protocol.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...
This is totally unscientific but I'll add my experience - RV 9A with Titan IO-370. Great engine but oil on the belly with or without air/oil separator even at 6 quarts in the sump. Haven't had the nerve to fly with less than 6. Oil consumption with 6 quarts is about 1 qt/7 hours. Above 6 in the sump, and it's however long (short) it takes to exit the breather.
 
0 320X with Lycoming cylinders, 32hr trip last summer with oil at six quarts on calibrated dipstick less than 1/2 qt used. 325 hours, been that way since hour one. Camguard and 25 hr. oil changes. No filter. Nothing in either screen last few oil changes.
 
Ironflight said:
Thoughts? How accurate is your dipstick? I have seen folks using factory-marked dipsticks intended for nosewheel aircraft on taildraggers, and they’ve been off by a quart! Are you sure you know how much oil is in the sump?
Click to expand...
Note that the stock dipstick is off by a lot if using CAI…
 
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