Aviation Engine Break-In Multi-Grade Mineral Oil (2024)

FAQs

What kind of oil is used in aircraft engine break-in? ›

Use a good quality Straight Oil, such as AeroShell Oil 80 or AeroShell Oil 100, and stay with it right through the break-in period (typically 50 hours but check your engine manual). Be sure to check the oil level frequently as oil consumption will be higher than under normal operation.

What Oil Type Should Be Used For Break-In. Many pilots have learned to use straight mineral oil while breaking in a new engine. It's thought that mineral oil is less viscous (less slippery) than AD oil, and that it will allow the piston rings to wear in the cylinder walls more quickly.

Instead, look for an engine oil marketed specifically as engine break-in oil. Better yet, look to the performance industry leader, VP Racing Fuels, to give you the maximum out of your freshly built engine. VP's SAE 10W-40 Break-In oil has a balanced level of ZDDP and moly anti-wear additives.

All aircraft-use engine oils on the market today (that we know of) are mineral oils, i.e., refined, petroleum-based oils. Some of them have an additive in them to aid in scavenging debris and carrying it to the filter or screen. These are called ashless dispersant (AD) oils.

Mineral-Based Break-In Oils

These are conventional engine oils with no synthetic components. A mineral-based oil offers high lubrication properties and compatibility with various engine types. These oils have high levels of zinc and phosphorus, which provide extra protection from damage during the break-in period.

The basic rule which applies to most normally aspirated Lycoming piston engines is simple: use straight mineral oil of the proper viscosity for the first fifty hours or until oil consumption stabilizes. Then switch to ashless dispersant (AD) oil.

Mineral Oil Drawbacks

Slow mobility: Some note that mineral engine oils reduce their vehicle's fuel economy and performance. Lack of corrosion protection: Mineral engine oil can clog up your engine.

Do mineral oils have any disadvantages? Compared to synthetic variants, the answer is sadly 'yes'. The biggest disadvantage of mineral oils is that they move through the engine slower than synthetic variants. This results in decreased fuel economy for your car and may affect performance also.

It would depend on the circ*mstances. A mineral-based engine oil is going to be good for around 3000-5000 miles, depending on the type of mineral oil (Group I, II, or III) and the severity of the service. A mineral-based turbine oil should last 5–7 years in a gas turbine, 10-12 years in a steam turbine.

Break-in oils are usually specially formulated straight SAE 30 or SAE 40 oils but some are multi-viscosity oils (5W-30, 15W-40 & 10W-40).

Can I use conventional oil for break-in? ›

When breaking in any new or rebuilt engine, we recommend a dedicated Break-In Engine Oil. These are all conventional (mineral-based) oils with higher levels of ZDDP. For instructions, follow the link below that applies to your engine: Break-In Procedure for Flat Tappet Camshafts.

Based on these observations, it is recommended to use a quality 80-90 GL5-rated conventional gear oil during the break-in period. If there is a suspicion of overheating, changing the oil is advisable since conventional gear oil is relatively inexpensive.

For most aircraft, we recommend using Aeroshell W100 monograde oil with one pint of ASL CamGuard added at each oil change. For aircraft subject to unpreheated cold starts where multigrade oil is preferred, we recommend using Phillips X/C 20W-50 with one pint of ASL CamGuard added at each oil change.

The difference between aviation and automotive oil began with the inclusion of zinc anti-wear additives and detergent additives that contained metal.

Mineral oils are ideal for older vehicle models that were developed to run on less technologically advanced lubricants; a reason why they're also a low-cost option for fleet managers and motorists.

Two main types of oil employed in aircraft engines are ashless dispersant (AD) and mineral oil. Both types are manufactured from mineral oil – a highly refined and petroleum-based oil.

You should only use break-in oil when “running-in” a new engine or changing substantial internal engine components. Do NOT use break-in oil after completing a break-in procedure.

For most aircraft, we recommend using Aeroshell W100 monograde oil with one pint of ASL CamGuard added at each oil change. For aircraft subject to unpreheated cold starts where multigrade oil is preferred, we recommend using Phillips X/C 20W-50 with one pint of ASL CamGuard added at each oil change.

Aerospace Lubricants: Landing Gear Lubrication

Landing gear lubricants protect against corrosion and wear, as well as to reduce friction during takeoff and landing. These lubricants resist extreme temperatures and to prevent the accumulation of debris and contaminants.