AeroShell Oil 120 SAE 60 Break-In Engine Oil
AeroShell Oil 120 is a single-grade SAE 60 straight mineral oil intended primarily for the break-in of new or recently overhauled four-stroke aircraft piston engines. It is blended from selected high-viscosity-index mineral base stocks and does not contain a dispersant additive.
The formulation contains only a small quantity of pour-point depressant, where required, and an antioxidant. Its higher viscosity makes AeroShell Oil 120 suitable for break-in applications in warmer climates above approximately 26°C (78.8°F).
AeroShell Oil 120 is used in certified aircraft reciprocating piston engines and aircraft radial engines where SAE J1966 Grade 60 oil is specified and an ashless dispersant oil is not required.
Key Features
- Single-grade SAE 60 aircraft piston-engine oil
- Straight mineral, non-dispersant formulation
- Intended primarily for engine break-in
- Suitable for new and recently overhauled engines
- Developed for warmer ambient temperatures above approximately 26°C (78.8°F)
- Blended from selected high-viscosity-index mineral base stocks
- Contains a small quantity of pour-point depressant where required
- Contains an antioxidant
- Meets SAE J1966 Grade 60
- Suitable for applicable reciprocating and radial aircraft engines
Recommended Applications
AeroShell Oil 120 is intended for:
- Break-in of new four-stroke certified aircraft piston engines
- Break-in of recently overhauled four-stroke aircraft piston engines
- Certified reciprocating aircraft piston engines (excluding Porsche engines)
- Aircraft radial engines
- Engines requiring SAE J1966 Grade 60
- Applications where an oil containing a dispersant additive is not required
The required break-in duration varies by engine and overhaul procedure.
Specifications, Approvals, and Recommendations
- SAE J1966 Grade 60
- SAE J1966 replaces former MIL-L-6082E
- NATO Code O-128 (obsolete)
- Joint Service Designation OM-370 (obsolete)
Typical Technical Characteristics
The following values are typical of current production and should not be treated as product specifications.
| Property |
Test Method |
Typical Value |
| SAE viscosity grade |
Not specified |
60 |
| Density at 15°C |
ASTM D4052 |
890 kg/m³ |
| API gravity |
ASTM D287 |
27.2 |
| Kinematic viscosity at 100°C |
ASTM D445 |
23.3 mm²/s |
| Viscosity index |
ASTM D2270 |
Greater than 96 |
| Pour point |
ASTM D5949 |
Less than -12°C |
| Flash point |
ASTM D92 |
Greater than 250°C |
| Total acid number |
ASTM D664/974 |
Less than 0.1 mgKOH/g |
| Sulfur |
ASTM D4951 |
0.42% mass |
| Copper corrosion after 3 hours at 100°C |
ASTM D130 |
Passes |
| Ash content |
ASTM D482 |
Less than 0.005% mass |
| Trace sediment |
ASTM D2273 |
Passes |
| Foaming tendency |
ASTM D892 |
Passes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AeroShell Oil 120 used for?
AeroShell Oil 120 is used primarily during the break-in of new or recently overhauled four-stroke certified aircraft piston engines. It may also be used in applicable aircraft radial engines where an SAE J1966 Grade 60 non-dispersant oil is specified.
Is AeroShell Oil 120 a straight mineral or ashless dispersant oil?
AeroShell Oil 120 is a straight mineral oil and does not contain an ashless dispersant additive. It is intended primarily for break-in applications where a non-dispersant SAE J1966 oil is required.
Why is straight mineral oil used during engine break-in?
Straight mineral oil may be specified during break-in to support the controlled wear-in process between piston rings and cylinder walls. Proper ring seating helps establish normal compression and oil control while reducing the potential for cylinder-wall glazing.
How long should AeroShell Oil 120 be used during break-in?
The required break-in period varies by engine manufacturer, engine model, and overhaul facility. Follow the break-in duration and oil-change instructions supplied for the specific engine.
What is the difference between AeroShell Oil 80, Oil 100, and Oil 120?
The primary differences are viscosity grade and intended ambient temperature:
- AeroShell Oil 80 is SAE 40 and is intended for colder climates.
- AeroShell Oil 100 is SAE 50 and is intended for moderate climates.
- AeroShell Oil 120 is SAE 60 and is intended for warmer climates above approximately 26°C (78.8°F).
All three are straight mineral oils intended primarily for aircraft piston-engine break-in.
What is the difference between AeroShell Oil 120 and AeroShell Oil W120?
Both products are single-grade SAE 60 oils intended for warmer climates, but they serve different purposes. AeroShell Oil 120 is a straight mineral, non-dispersant oil intended primarily for engine break-in. AeroShell Oil W120 is an ashless dispersant oil intended for normal engine service after break-in where SAE J1899 Grade 60 is specified.
Can AeroShell Oil 120 be used in every aircraft piston engine?
No. AeroShell Oil 120 is intended only for engines that permit SAE J1966 Grade 60 straight mineral oil and do not require an ashless dispersant lubricant. Porsche aircraft engines are excluded.
What AeroShell Oil 120 package size does Petroleum Service Company offer?
Petroleum Service Company offers AeroShell Oil 120 in the following package configuration:
- 55-gallon drum (SKU: 550041188)
