Originally Posted by
Tankengine
Does not lead aid in piston-cylinder lubrication as well?
It does indeed have some effect on lubrication whether that be directly or from the result of other factors like cooling.
Piston engine fuel itself is also an aid to lubrication/cooling, a change in the fuel chemistry maybe having an effect as seen.
I think most agree here that IC powered piston Helicopters especially in the mustering role in hot dusty conditions are subject to a multitude of stresses such as high power settings changing constantly with varying operating temps & environmental conditions hence the high maint required on these machines. Perhaps that seeing as there is a perceived increase of late of rapidly deteriorating engines (due whatever actual reason/s) the maint sched needs to be increased?