![]() ![]() There will be no negative effects to switching from a straight mineral to an AD oil, regardless of the number of engine operating hours accumulated. "Also, customers ask me if they will see any performance difference on my engine if I totally switch over from a non-AD mineral oil to an AD mineral or semi-synthetic oil." AD oils are not designed to clean up deposit and sludge buildup that is already in the engine. How about switching from an all mineral to an AD oil?Īccording to Richard Fowler, America Aircraft Engines in Tulsa, Oklahoma, "Can I mix an Ashless Dispersant (AD) oil with a non-AD oil? TheĪnswer is yes and both types of oil are very compatible since similar base stocks are used in both types of oils. I'm not recommending that owner/operators make their own oil by mixing a quart of one type of oil with a quart of another type oil during oil changes, but rather when a situation arises where you are down on oil, the decision to add a different brand or grade is a good one since this will not cause any engine problems," Silveira says. "Whether mineral-based, synthetic blend, straight grade, or multigrade, all aviation oils are compatible and can be mixed without harm to the engine. ![]() "All aviation piston engine oils are compatible," Silveira says. All aviation OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) - including Lycoming, Continental, and Pratt & Whitney - use the same SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) tests and specifications to assure that approved oils meet the stringent standards to protect their aviation engines. Silveira says the proof is printed on the container's label. Topping off the oil level is much better than flying low on oil, even if it is not the preferred brand or the right viscosity." We asked the pros - FBO operators, engine overhaulers, oil experts, and others who care a lot about protecting their customers' aircraft.Īll advocate taking the safety-first approach and add the needed oil, even if it isn't the pilot's brand.įor Walt Silveira, Phillips 66 aviation oil product technical manager, the answer is simple - "Stick with a brand the pilot prefers when you can, but any approved aviation piston engine oil brand for emergency top-offs. His favorite brand of oil is not available, they only have brand XX. On a fuel stop, he discovers his engine is 2 quarts low. It's getting dark and the pilot is still three hours from home on a longĬross-country flight. That's why it's so difficult to consider another brand - even in a situation like this: Most pilots prefer a specific brand, but they can't always defend their oil choice with logic and reason. The slippery stuff has been blamed for everything from a ruined engine to post-nasal drip, while other pilots brag that their oil gets their airplane 500 hours past TBO. Lubricating oil can cause a lot of friction among piston engine aircraft owners. Will topping off with a different brand, weight, or type harm the engine? ![]()
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