Modern Oil in an A65

[Hank Jarrett]

I need some quick advice on oil for the A-65 in my 41 Taylorcraft. The Continental manual I have (Revised in 1948) says use SAE 20 below 32º F, Aero grade No. 60 from 32º F to 70ºF, Aero grade No. 80 from 70º to 100ºF and Aero grade No. 100 above 100ºF.
The A-65 Spec from Continental says use Grade No. 80 for operating temp from 120ºF to 180ºF and SAE 30 for operating temp below 120ºF.
Our EAA chapter is buying a pallet of Aircraft 20W50 and I can get a case for $42.50.
None of my books even recognize multi grade oil.
Do I go with the new multi grade? Is that a good price? (never bought multi before). Will the engine be OK with the new oil or do I keep going with the old single weight. The engine is a mid time and doesn't seem to leak a drop.
Opinions? Opinions with actual knowledge? Legalities? (What do the IAs and FAA guys say about using an oil not in the manufacturer’s book?)
By the way, I have to call the guy TONIGHT to get on the list for a case.

[Swick-T N7010S]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

I used to have a 41 T-Craft with a C-75 when I lived in Minot ND I used Aeroshell W 65 in the winter, W-80 spring and fall and W-100 in the summer. Now I'm an airport Manager in Clinton IA and sell oil. I just watched a video by Lycoming and Aeroshell on oils and new engines and they mentioned that in some cases switching to a multi grade oil can cause oil leaks. I have heared the same from mechanics. I asume that you are talking about the Phillips X/C 20W50 that you EAA chapter is buying. I run Phillips X/C 20W50 in my C-172 and the Swick T then I can run the same oil year round. I sell a case of20W50 for $42.00 plus tax. Last week on of the pilots went to the supplier I get my oil form and bought 10 cases for $33.90 a case, I pay $30.50 a case. Have to call the supplier and talk about that.

I personaly belive that all current aviation oils will do just fine. The oil is much better now that in the 1930's and 40's but everybody will have their own opinion that one oil is better than the other.

Mike

[d.grimm]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

I run Phillips 20w50 Multi-grade in a A-65 in the winter and Aeroshell SAE 100
in summer. Used Aeroshell Multi-Grade once. An engine that never leaked a drip had it pouring out. Changed to Phillips and it was dry as a bone in one hour of running.

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

That is a common problem when running 20/50 oil in old engines. The castings are so porous that it will seep right through the casting. Later Continentals and Lycomings are better about this because of the higher grade casting. Engine was designed to run on straight weight oil and if it is working fine, don't change it.

Mike

[peerlesscowboy]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

I run AeroShell 15W50 in my Cont. A-65 year 'round. Uses a quart about every 10 hours, I can't blame that on the oil?
Only warning I'm aware of in this regard is to NOT start using a detergent oil in an engine that's been run a bunch of hours with a non-detergent oil?

John C. Saubak

[jgerard]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

I run the Phillips 20W50. Great stuff, consistent oil pressure regardless of temp. No leaks either.

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

I'm running Aero Shell 100 straight mineral oil year round. Does well, no leaks,uses about one quart ever 10 hrs or so, drain and change at 25 hrs. Hate to change, it does so well.

[jrzangger]

Re: Modern Oil in an A65

Sorry for the late reply but I've been out of town for a few weeks.

I overhauled my A-65 and broke it in with the straight grade mineral oil for the first fifty hours. The oil consumption had stabalized around 15 hours per quart. The flying season was nearing and end, it was due for an oil change, and I switched to the Aeroshell multigrade oil, primarily for the claimed anti-corrosion qualities during periods of inactivity. As soon as I switched, my oil consumption went to 25 hours on a quart. I've got over 1,000 hours on it now and the oil consumption is stil right at the 25 hour mark. I generally don't have to add between oil changes.

Keep in mind this was on a freshly overhauled engine. I don't know what the effects would be on an older engine that had been run with straight grade oil, but I'm very satisfied with the Aerosehll multigrade oil.