AeroShell for Piston Engine Aircraft Preservation

For various reasons, many owners decide to hanger their aircraft for periods of time. An integral part of the process of preparing an aircraft for storage should be to use a preservation oil to give protection against corrosion, which greatly accelerates the rate of wear in an engine.  

When an engine stands idle for long periods the oil absorbs water from the atmosphere and, combined with condensation on the internal engine components, causes rust to form. Once the rust has formed it remains in the oil and acts as a grinding paste, causing increased wear, reduced engine life and potentially higher maintenance bills. 

If an aircraft is flown frequently (at least once every two weeks) then this water evaporates as the engine temperature rises and therefore does not cause a problem. However if the aircraft is not flown as often as this, then the owner should consider using a preservation oil.

Both Continental Engines and Lycoming Engines recommend similar processes of engine preservation oils for aircraft that are grounded for more than 30 days.

• Teledyne Continental Aircraft Engine Service Letter SIL99-1;
• Textron Lycoming Service Letter L180B. 
  

These service letters both reference an engine oil conforming to MIL-C-6529C Type II, and while AeroShell Fluid 2F has been withdrawn, AeroShell do still manufacture and supply the two oils that made up this fluid:

• AeroShell Oil 100 – an SAE-J-1966 Grade 50 approved non-dispersant mineral oil (three parts);
• AeroShell Fluid 2XN – a MIL-C-6529C Type I approved corrosion preventative (one part).

Mixing these products results in an inhibited flyaway oil with up to 50 hours use in one TBO (Time Before Overhaul) cycle, that also protects your engine for several months in storage.

Additionally, for shorter term down time (several weeks inactivity), AeroShell Oil W 15W-50 has anti wear and anti corrosion capabilities that can protect engines. For longer term storage (indefinite periods), AeroShell Fluid 2XN can be used in its pure form, remembering to fully drain this oil before flight.

It is important to note that greases can also provide extensive preservation qualities across the aircraft. 

AeroShell Grease 6 is a general purpose, Microgel thickened grease composed of a mineral oil. It possesses good all-round properties within a limited range and inhibits against oxidation and corrosion. Additionally, AeroShell Grease 6 has good water resistance and low noise capability. 

Approved to MIL-PRF-24139A, AeroShell Grease 6 is used in anti-friction bearings, gearboxes and plain bearings within the temperature range of –40°C to +121°C. Additionally, AeroShell Grease 6 is an ideal propeller grease, both for flying and storage.

Approvals

• MIL-PRF-24139A Approved;
• DEF STAN 91-12 Approved;
• DCSEA 382/AA Equivalent;
• NATO G-382;
• Joint Service Designation XG-271. 
  
  

AeroShell Grease 22 is a versatile, multipurpose grease designed to extend the lives of wheel bearings operating under high loads, speeds and temperature ranges. This grease can help to extend component life and reduce maintenance costs through its excellent load-carrying capacity and resistance to wear, corrosion, oxidation and water washout.

During storage and aircraft down time, AeroShell Grease 22 continues to keep aircraft wheel bearings, engine accessories, control systems, actuators, screw jacks, servomechanisms, electric motors, instruments, airframe lubrication, hinge pins, static joints and landing gear free from corrosion and ready to fly. 

Approvals

• MIL-PRF-81322G Approved;
• DOD-G-24508A Approved;
• DEF STAN 91-52 Approved;
• DCSEA 395/A Approved;
• NATO G-395;
• Joint Service Designation XG-293.

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