AIRCRAFT SECTION - 1950s Luscombe that you have put 17.5 hours on in the past 10 years? Should you let the mechanic change your oil?

Question

Overheard this at the air port the other day. The Luscombe owner was demanding his money back because they had changed his oil during an inspection.

His argument was that he had not yet reached the hourly limit for an oil change because he hadn't put 25 hours on his plane in 10 years so his oil was good for another 7.5 hours.

FanMan · Accepted Answer

Aside from what others have said (oil should be changed annually regardless of hours flown), changing the oil, cleaning the screens, and looking at the condition of the drained oil is part of an annual inspection.

But the engine in a plane that has flown 17.5 hours in 10 years is probably toast, anyway.

But the engine in a plane that has flown 17.5 hours in 10 years is probably  toast, anyway.

F · Answer

I can’t believe anyone would risk their live for the price of an oil change.
I would change the oil in a car yearly, regardless of wether the mileage limit has been reached, I would assume you do the same with a plane ( but with flying hours).

The Oracle of Omigod · Answer

I have heard that oil sitting in an engine goes bad just sitting there after a couple of years.

Anonymous · Answer

After 10 years, the oil is NOT good anymore.  On an airplane, you do NOT take chances.

Mao Bidden · Answer

Oil changes are not only required for miles but also time elapsed.

AIRCRAFT SECTION - 1950s Luscombe that you have put 17.5 hours on in the past 10 years? Should you let the mechanic change your oil?

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