Engine oil for different seasons

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awash2002
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Engine oil for different seasons

Post by awash2002 »

What is the best oil I should run in my 172 for the hot summer season and cold winter season?
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AKar
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Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by AKar »

20W-50. ;)

-Esa

awash2002
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Location: KCZL

Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by awash2002 »

OK I'll run that oil from today when I leave Sun N Fun in N130JA in 30 minutes
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AKar
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Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by AKar »

Practical side in me says that if you mess with anything other but the standard proven multi-grade, you should know your solid reason to do so. I can't but seldom imagine any compelling ones under most true-to-life circumstances.

-Esa

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ClipperLuna
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Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by ClipperLuna »

I sat down one day and tried to think of what circumstances I might use straight-grade oil in a vehicle. If I had an old pickup (1970s-ish) that consumed oil that I used to haul heavy loads up mountain grades in summer heat I might consider using it.

Maybe

RotorWash
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Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by RotorWash »

If you would like to make your flight challenging, try none :D

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Scott - A2A
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Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by Scott - A2A »

The only reasons I hear today of anyone using a straight weight are:
- Tradition. "I've used it for years and don't want to stop"
- You fly in climate that is always warm very warm / hot
- You like to use Aeroshell but don't want the synthetic blend in their 15w-50

However, technically there are differences. Straight weight oil does cling to the internal parts longer than multi weight, so there is some merit to using it if you don't want to use an additive like CamGuard and don't fly every week as your engine will not corrode as much when sitting. But if you are starting in even modestly warm temps, the initial starting and running wear is less with the multi because it is moves quicker through the engine. Straight weight is like molasses even at room temperature.

Personally, I would use a multi weight with Camguard and you have the best of all things.

Scott.
A2A Simulations Inc.

awash2002
A2A ACE
Posts: 2995
Joined: 01 Aug 2013, 06:13
Location: KCZL

Re: Engine oil for different seasons

Post by awash2002 »

That's what I'm doing now in my Comanche and Skylane is the multi weight with camgard
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