f14av8r
Well Known Member
One of my objectives for Oshkosh was to determine what oil I should be using in my engine. I attended every lecture on the subject that I could find and talked to the experts at the Aeroshell and Phillips booths.
Prior to Oshkosh, I read and was influenced greatly by reading Mike Busch's new book "On Engines." In his book, Mike unequivocally states his advocacy for single weight, mineral based (no synthetics) oil for owner-operated airplanes. He believes that the heavier weight, single weight oil coats the engine parts better and longer than does a multi-grade oil. A longer coating is an advantage for an owner-operated airplane that may sit for days or weeks without flying.
I was prepared to go with Mike's suggestion and switch from Phillips XC 20-50 to Aeroshell 100W at my next oil change. Then I went to the Phillips guy's forum. The Phillips guy, Steve (I forget his last name), provided some compelling data to show that a multi-weight oil (like XC 20-50) coats the engine parts as well as a single weight oil after 48 hours. And, he made a compelling argument that a multi-weight oil is better is most other respects than a single weight oil.
After his lecture, I questioned Steve during the Q&A and again one-on-one about his obvious difference with Mike Busch. Steve said he is a big Mike Busch fan but, on this one issue, he completely disagrees with Mike and thinks he is just flat out wrong.
So, now I'm on the fence again. Which oil should I be using. I fly in Florida the vast majority of the time, seldom experience temperatures below 60 degrees, and generally fly at least once a week.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the subject.
Prior to Oshkosh, I read and was influenced greatly by reading Mike Busch's new book "On Engines." In his book, Mike unequivocally states his advocacy for single weight, mineral based (no synthetics) oil for owner-operated airplanes. He believes that the heavier weight, single weight oil coats the engine parts better and longer than does a multi-grade oil. A longer coating is an advantage for an owner-operated airplane that may sit for days or weeks without flying.
I was prepared to go with Mike's suggestion and switch from Phillips XC 20-50 to Aeroshell 100W at my next oil change. Then I went to the Phillips guy's forum. The Phillips guy, Steve (I forget his last name), provided some compelling data to show that a multi-weight oil (like XC 20-50) coats the engine parts as well as a single weight oil after 48 hours. And, he made a compelling argument that a multi-weight oil is better is most other respects than a single weight oil.
After his lecture, I questioned Steve during the Q&A and again one-on-one about his obvious difference with Mike Busch. Steve said he is a big Mike Busch fan but, on this one issue, he completely disagrees with Mike and thinks he is just flat out wrong.
So, now I'm on the fence again. Which oil should I be using. I fly in Florida the vast majority of the time, seldom experience temperatures below 60 degrees, and generally fly at least once a week.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on the subject.