Oil Analysis Result, Exxon Elite vs. AeroShell

[CBogle]

Dear Fellow Members:

After reading an analysis in an aviation magazine that was of the opinion that Exxon Elite had some properties that were superior to AeroShell Semi-Synthetic, I switched. (I've always used AeroShell semi-synthetic.) I've had oil analysis performed by AOA every oil change for the five years I've owned the plane, and since I change the oil about every 40 hours (I have a filter) and fly about 150 hours per year, I have a pretty good baseline for comparison.

At the first sample on the Exxon Elite, the oil analysis results in each category were better than they had ever been, including zero nickel and zero chrome detected, which had never happened before in any previous sample. Acknowledging that one sample is inconclusive, I said that I would report on my next sample.

I just received the second sample from the last oil change again using Exxon Elite, and once again, all metals detected are lower than previous samples using AeroShell and again, zero parts detected for nickel and chrome.

Now again, these two results may not be statistically significant, but, they are certainly interesting. I'll report on the next sample, but, so far, am seeing evidence that Exxon Elite may be doing a superior job of reducing wear. My flying habbits are the same, I haven't changed gas, I'm flying in the same geographic area, using the same oil analysis company, using the same filter make, etc. The only variable that I know if is the oil.

Also, for the record, I have no association or direct investment in either Shell or Exxon.

Regards,

Curt