Multi-Vis Oils Less Lubricating?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Nomen Nescio, Aug 29, 2005.

  1. Nomen Nescio

    Nomen Nescio Guest

    Why is it aircraft engines specify a single weight oil, i.e., SAE 30, not
    mult-vis oils? This is mysterious to me because aircraft engines must be
    started under varying temperatures just the same as cars.

    Once started and warmed up, automobile engines operate at a more constant
    temperature than do aircraft engines. If operating temperature would be
    the criterium, then car engines would be better served than airplane
    engines, yet we see mult-vis the rule for autos, but single weight for
    airplanes.

    Could it be that the multi-vis additives somehow detract from the
    lubricating qualities which are better in single weight oils? On the
    contrary, could it be that most aircraft engines predate multi-vis oil and
    were certified for the then available oils which were single weight? There
    are multi-vis aircraft oils, so perhaps later engines were certified with
    multi-vis oils and the argument of superior qualities does not apply.

    Also, I wonder why aircraft multi-vis oils are labeled for aircraft but not
    cars and vice versa. Isn't SAE 5W-30 the same whether it is poured into an
    aircraft engine or a car engine? Why is aircraft oil specially labeled and
    costs more than car engine oil?
     
    Nomen Nescio, Aug 29, 2005
    #1
  2. Nomen Nescio

    Guest Guest

    Partly because it is an "ashless dispursent" oil, and partly because
    it has to deal with high lead content. - among other things, like
    paying for lawyers etc and the cost of "certification".
     
    Guest, Aug 29, 2005
    #2
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