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Hey guys: You are all right about the current versus the old oils. However,
the most important thing is to change the oil regularly. This is to remove the
contaminants and the sludge. If you have an oil filter, you can go a bit longer
between changes, but the key is still to change often and regularly.
I remember when I was growing up, and the state of
South Dakota started furnishing automobiles for my father to drive. He drove
approximately 65,000 miles a year in a game warden job. When he drove his own
vehicle, he used an old flat head Lincoln V-12, changed the oil every 2000 miles
and overhauled the engine every year. After he got the state furnished car (late
fifties-early sixties) he still continued to change the oil every 2000 miles.
The state had a problem with all of its automobiles (they were on a 3000 mile
oil change) and had to replace something in the valve train (rocker shafts or
bushings or something). Any way, every car had the same problem according to the
state mechanics the overhead valve trains were caked with sludge, not being
lubricated properly and the problem did not get any better. They finally
convinced my father to bring his car in after it had approximately 75,000 miles
on it. When they opened up the valve covers guess what? No sludge and no
problem. His was the only car in the entire state fleet that did not have the
problem. It wasn't that he used special oil, only that he changed it every 2000
miles when the state and the automobile manufacturers recommended 3000
miles.
So even if you do not fly often, change your oil
often. If you fly regularly and do not have the oil screen, change it every 25
hours. If you have the oil filter, you can extend the interval somewhat,
depending on how much you fly. But do not go past 6 months, even if you have not
acquired the 25 hours. I do not care what type of oil you use, change it.
Obviously the semi synthetics are better than the straight weights/mineral oils.
But do not go too long between oil changes. I know the oil manufacturer may
recommend longer periods, but who ends up paying for the overhaul?
Lynn Nelsen
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