Any amount of flying (not ground running) is better for the engine than
not flying at all. A lot of people are too wound up with the 180F oil
temp thing. If you're so concerned, block part of the oil cooler with
duct tape in the winter, and change your oil (not necessarily the
filter) more often. If you keep your 50 hour filter/oil change
interval and add an additional oil-only change in between at 25-hr
point, your 25-hr oil only change will get rid of about 85% of
contaminants in the oil, and it can be done very cheaply (Phillips X/C
20W50 can be purchased around $40 a case).


Larry wrote:
For the past year or so I've been doing more 30-45 minute flights
rather than cross country pursuits for several usual reasons. I have a
0200 Continental... fellow at the airport was telling me lately that
its better not to fly than such short flights due to water condensation
and premature wear rust etc.. I'm not sure if that is really true. I
live in a dry SW climate. If it is true is there a way to desicant out
the moisture after every flight with some kind of lid over the oil
filler port?? I fly maybe 50-100 hrs per year. I just did a "top end"
so would like to keep her in top running shape. I'd have to talk with
my wife about flying more than 100 hrs/yr. I don't think I want a
partner either at least for now. Appreciate your thoughts.

Larry