Question Oil change - flight time vs calendar time?

[Neal]

Sadly I have not flown much the last 6 months, in duration at least. Been doing shorter flights probably from dealing with my tail wheel shimmy which I finally resolved. My last oil change was July and that is SIX (ugh) TACH hours ago. I typically change my oil at around 25 TACH hours. The oil still looks new, no darkening or discoloration, obviously. Lycoming recommends 4 months as max duration (calendar).

What are the opinions on oil changes in scenarios like this where it's a calendar vs. engine runtime issue?

Yeah yeah, the saying is the cheapest thing you can put into the plane is oil....

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I sold my PA-28-180 with over 3,000 hours since overhaul. Oil was changed at 50 hours or 12 months. Once I had the FX-3 12 months came first.

My FX-3 is changed at 50 hours or 6 months.

I live in Arizona where condensation build up is a non-issue. I pulled cylinder 3 of that PA-28 at 2,800 hours. The 3 visible cam lobes and followers were bright, shinny, and perfect.

Note that Lycoming qualifies the 4 month interval with this note -

"** Oil change intervals must not exceed 4 months if the aircraft has not been flown for at least 25 hours in a 4-month period. More frequent oil changes are recommended if the engine has been exposed to volcanic ash, particulate, sand, dust debris, extreme weather conditions, or salt spray in coastal environments."

 

[Neal]

Guess it's time to change the oil. What a waste