Page 16 - Volume 15 Number 5

MAINTENANCE TIP
Over-servicing the Oil
The rate of oil consumption on a PT6 engine is a vital statistic for proper maintenance and accurate troubleshooting. Pratt & Whitney’s guideline regarding oil consumption for PT6s is 1 quart for every 10 hours of operation. This rate of consumption is the maximum allowable and it applies to every type of PT6 engine found on King Airs.
by Dean Benedict
too much oil. My first question is “Where are you keeping your oil levels?” and my second question is “When are you checking it?”
Finding the level
Every PT6 is slightly different. Like fraternal twins, they look alike but have different personalities, quirks and mannerisms. Preferred oil level is a trait that varies from engine to engine. One engine likes
to run at 3 quarts down and another stays at 1.5 quarts down. I’ve found many PT6s running at between ›
If the engine is being over- serviced, the excess oil is blown overboard, giving the impression the engine is using more oil than it really is. To accurately track the rate of oil consumption, you must
14 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
ensure each engine is getting the amount of oil it needs and no more.
Whenever I hear an owner or pilot complain of oil mess all over the struts, flaps, gear doors or beaver tails, I suspect they are putting in
JUNE 2021