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AeroShell Piston Engine Oils: From Break-In to Long-Term Protection
AeroShell is committed to giving your piston aircraft engines the longest life possible and hitting those time between overhaul benchmarks. Lubricants are among the most important indicators of overall longevity, so choosing the right one is a key decision.
We are an authorized distributor of many AeroShell products, and our mission is to get them to military and federal procurement professionals with as little hassle as possible, at the best price. We also support bulk buys to keep large organizations well-stocked. Whatever the size of the order you need is fine with us.
For any questions, expedited delivery requests, extensive order inquiries, or to confirm product availability, please reach out to Greenwood Aerospace at gsasales@greenwood.aero or call us at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289).
As a proud Native American-owned, HUBZone-certified small business, we are committed to delivering high-quality service with rapid, reliable delivery.
A Spoke in the AeroShell Buyer’s Guide
This article is part of Greenwood Aero’s Ultimate AeroShell Aviation Fluids & Greases Buyer’s Guide — a comprehensive resource for procurement professionals and operators who need aviation piston engine lubricants, turbine oils, greases, and specialty fluids.
Aircraft piston engines are made or broken by the lubricants used. AeroShell offers multiple grades of SAE, and a formulation is recommended for break-in and post-overhaul procedures to help piston rings seat effectively. Ashless Dispersant Oil (AeroShell W80, W100, W100 Plus) is engineered for corrosion protection, reduced sludge, and long-term performance.
Single-grade and Multi-Grade Oils (AeroShell W15W-50) deliver stability across a wide temperature range, supporting both civil aircraft and military training fleets. Always review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow strict precautions to ensure oils are handled correctly, stored appropriately, and packaged for safe delivery.
Choosing the Right Piston Engine Oil
Aircraft piston engines require lubricants that balance viscosity, additives, and durability across a range of operating conditions. AeroShell offers multiple grades and formulations, including Straight Mineral Oil (AeroShell 65, 80, 100), which is recommended for break-in and post-overhaul procedures, helping piston rings seat effectively.
Ashless Dispersant Oil (AeroShell W80, W100, W100 Plus) is engineered for corrosion protection, reduced sludge, and long-term performance.
Single-grade and Multi-Grade Oils (AeroShell W15W-50) deliver stability across a wide temperature range, supporting both civil aircraft and military training fleets. Always review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and follow strict precautions to ensure oils are handled correctly, stored appropriately, and packaged for safe delivery.
Related: See our complete AeroShell Greases Guide for details on protective lubricants used beyond engines.
Break-In Procedures for New Engines
The break-in period is one of the most critical stages of a piston engine’s life cycle. Use straight mineral oil (AeroShell 100) to allow engine components, such as piston rings and cylinder walls, to wear properly under high shear stresses.
After a break-in, operators typically switch to ashless dispersant oils, such as W100 or W15W-50, to extend shelf life, ensure long-term corrosion resistance, and keep deposits suspended until they can be drained during the following oil change.
Long-Term Protection with AeroShell Oils
Once the break-in phase ends, ashless dispersant piston engine oils provide ongoing corrosion protection and deposit control. They protect cylinder walls and bearings from rust during storage or periods of low utilization, remain inherently stable even under high shear and prolonged storage conditions, and help operators reduce wear, extend service life, and avoid premature component replacement.
Aircraft engines, particularly pistons, are designed to run, and run fairly hard. Loafing a piston engine actually creates additional issues, such as lead deposits and valve buildups.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting for Aircraft Piston Engines
Using high-quality engine oils like AeroShell helps operators simplify troubleshooting by reducing contamination and sludge, monitoring oil samples for wear metals that indicate early issues with engine parts like piston rings or bearings, and maintaining consistent performance across both civil aircraft and military trainers. Routine oil changes, proper storage, and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are the best ways to ensure oils fully meet their intended protective functions.
Properties of High-Performance Piston Engine Oils
AeroShell piston oils are formulated with advanced additives to deliver ashless dispersant technology, which keeps engines clean by suspending contaminants. This technology provides viscosity stability across various climates, allowing for single-grade or multi-grade use, as well as corrosion and oxidation resistance for both active operation and prolonged idle storage.
These oils are qualified products with military qualification approval (when applicable), giving operators confidence in every manufacture date, packaged weight, and shipping process.
Check out the rest of Greenwood Aero’s AeroShell Buyer’s Guide!
This guide on AeroShell piston engine oils is one of the spokes in Greenwood Aero’s Ultimate AeroShell Aviation Fluids & Greases Buyer’s Guide. By selecting the right oil grade, following correct break-in procedures, and maintaining regular oil changes, operators can protect engine components, extend service life, and maintain a high-quality standard across both civil and military fleets.
Make sure to check out our other AeroShell spoke articles: AeroShell Greases Guide, AeroShell Turbine Oils Guide, and AeroShell Hydraulic & Specialty Fluids Guide.
Procurement Made Simple with Greenwood Aerospace
Greenwood Aerospace is a trusted distributor of AeroShell oil and lubricants, with all products fully approved and listed on the Qualified Products List. Whether you need a single case or a bulk order, we provide transparent pricing, fast delivery, and HUBZone-certified service via GSA Advantage. You can get in touch with our dedicated GSA sales team at gsasales@greenwood.aero or call us at 580-865-6000 or 833-GSA-EBUY (833-472-3289).
Greenwood Aerospace is the trusted partner in government procurement that you need in your corner. With over 40 years of experience, we have partnered with the top brands in aviation parts and manufacturing to deliver the supplies your organization needs.
Greenwood Aerospace is U.S. Department of State ITAR-registered, allowing us to partner with large defense contractors on various military initiatives involving the export of ITAR-controlled items. We hold the following certifications:
UEI: KVSUYYSJS174
DUNS: 604006874
Cage Code: 2Y735
ITAR DDTC Export Compliant
AS9120B QMS Certified
NAICS: 488190, 336413, 332722, 336411, 336413, 481212, 532411
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