Change the oil or not?

[Fearless Tower]

Interested in thoughts on this one as it is the first time I have dealt with a lengthy downtime as an airplane owner (used to flying a couple times a week).

Through circumstances out of my control, my 170 has had to sit on the ramp in San Diego while I moved the family to Norfolk. Now, it looks like I won't be able to get back there until mid-October to fly the airplane across country.

On the good side, I had the oil changed in mid-July and the engine has been sitting in fresh oil (Aero Shell 100 - not the plus) without any use since then. When I do get back to flying it, I will probably put around 20 hrs on it flying it coast to coast.

So, should I change the oil before the cross-country, or fly it as-is and change it after I get it to its new home?

[Harold Holiman]

I personally would fly with the current oil and change it after your long crosscountry.

Harold H

[FredMa]

I would inspect the oil first, from the dipstick and by draining a little from the sump. If it looks fine then fly it. If it looks like there is condensation in the oil, then address the problem accordingly depending on how much you find.

[GAHorn]

FLY IT! (If it's been sitting preserved in fresh oil less than a year with no running.... no problem, in my opinion.)

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Fly it.

[Brad Brady]

Andy,
Fly it! The problem with old oil is...No matter what oil you use, after running several hours, You will pick up acids, from the burn, and moisture.If you haven't put any time on the oil.....just use it. You should change the oil every four months......In my opinion, no mater how many hours you fly. because of the acid build up in the pan...I can send pic's if you want.

[Fearless Tower]

I bet you miss your 170.

You got that right! Been way too long.

As an update, I just checked aboard my ship and found the shedule has changed yet again. Looks like I'll end up having to have the annual done before I get to move the plane. Big Fun.

[marathonrunner]

So what if you are having an annual just drain and save use a clean container. I think the oil companies say change it every 3 months so you are right on the edge but no sense throwing away fresh oil.

[bagarre]

What field are you flying out of in Norfolk?
I've been looking for an excuse to fly down there. I left the Navy in '03

[Fearless Tower]

What field are you flying out of in Norfolk?
I've been looking for an excuse to fly down there. I left the Navy in '03

I'll be flying out of PVG (Hampton Roads Exec)....that is, once I actually get my plane from the west coast to the east coast. Looking like I'll be flying it out here in November now.

[bagarre]

That will make a GREAT flight tho.

Would also make a great newsletter article. Even if it was written like a log book.