pipeliner wrote:I would recommend against using Aeroshell 15W-50, Aeroshell W80 Plus, Aeroshell W100 Plus or the new Phillips Victory 20W50 in a big bore Continental, as they all contain the “Lycoming additive.” This additive is required in the infamous Lycoming O320-H2AD and a small handful of other Lycomings due to rust causing extreme valve train wear. This additive contains triphenyl phosphate (TPP). TPP can create phosphoric acid, which can attack seals and magneto cushions. In the big Continentals with the starter adapter, the phosphate can form on the spring in the starter adapter, causing it to slip. As long as the starter adapter is in good shape and you have a well-charged, high capacity battery, this shouldn’t be a problem, but otherwise it could be an issue for your starter adapter. For these reasons I have switched to the regular Phillips multi-vis 20W-50 without the Lycoming additive (I made the switch after reading a recent Aviation Consumer article written by Paul Millner, a retired oil company technical expert, who provided the above info).
I also swear by Camguard, as I (like most people) don’t quite fly often enough. As noted above by others, Ed Kollin, who developed it when working for Exxon, is a very knowledgeable lubrication engineer. He is also very helpful if you have a question. I think when he developed the Camguard additive, it proved too expensive for Exxon to add it to their aviation oil, so he struck out on his own to market it.
If you don't need the "Lycoming additive," use the money you save by buying Phillips XC and to buy the Camguard additive.
Like Kurt, I also say change the oil at 4 months if you don't have the hours on the oil.
Ross
I agree with most of this, EXCEPT that TPP is an anti-scuffing additive, NOT an anti corrosion additive. Cam Guard is, in fact, an anti corrosion additive. That was Ed's point in his discussion of the "Lycoming additive": "Lycoming engines don't need an anti scuffing additive, they need an anti corrosion additive.". The exception, of course, being that (now quite rare) H model engine.
Lycoming does suggest using the TPP in all Lycoming engines now, though.
As others have said, best thing you can do is fly often, change oil frequently.
MTV
