Is Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 still a decent choice for OPE

Joined
Aug 31, 2020
Messages
2
Location
North Stonington, CT, USA
Hi All,


I have been using Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 in the following OPE for a few years...

DR Power Brush Mower - has a 17HP Kawasaki FH500V from around 1997 and has about 450 hours.
Briggs & Stratton Generator - has a B&S Engine Model 21T202 from 2012 and has about 50 hours.
MTD Snow Thrower - has a Tecumseh Snow King probably from the 90's and guess 50 hours.


I have been using Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 in all three for simplicity. They all get one or more oil changes each year depending on use. I keep a close eye on oil levels so there is very little chance of any of them running low.

Problem is that I keep second guessing my choice of oil. Perhaps I am spending too much time reading BITYOG forum posts! I have read posts about the additive package changing to accommodate various certifications etc. and I also read a thread about new SuperTech options and all of this has me wondering...

1. Is Shell Rotella T6 5w-40 still the best option (or at least a reasonable choice)?

2. Is 5w-40 grade oil OK for all three? I do not use the brush mower in cold weather so wondering if a different grade is better? I live in South Eastern CT where it gets cold but not real cold.


Thanks for any advice,
Ken.
 
Aside from a kohler k series, or kohler magnum where they can but rebuilt 3 to 6 times on the same camshaft which is rare to fine good replacments for, oil choice is not as critical as you would think. As long as it is a good weight oil and not too extreme on each end you are fine.
 
Air cooled can benefit from a full syn HDEO like T6. Add in the additive pack like zinc that's good for flat tappets. If you want to save some money you could try the Super Tech but not certain how or if you'd have trouble starting the snow thrower in the cold. Pull start? For that reason 5w-xx is better.
 
I have used T6 15w40 in the lawn tractor and push mower in my sig for the majority of my ownership of them.
I prefer T6 over the spec-ed 30 grade in the tractor. It starts easier and consumes a lot less oil over time. Both machines show less blackening of the oil over time as well FWIW. The push mower calls for 5/10w30 but T6 gives me a single product for my yard fleet.
Both are used only in spring through fall. If/when I get a snowblower, it, too, will be T6.
 
Just to stir the pot, an option to HDEOs are ACEA Euro synthetics that meet A3/B4.
The good thing about them is that you can always find them in jugs instead of five gallon pails and on sale.
 
T6 5w40 is an excellent choice although I would lean towards a 0w40 because it would be about the same price for 5 quarts as opposed to 4.

If you’re paying attention to diesel vs gas approvals it’s a bit more well rounded versatility wise too.
 
I would recommend using synthetic 5w-30 in the Tecumseh snow King engine. Better cold weather starts. A 5w-30 is what they spec. and what I have used my entire life in these engines. Never a problem with regular oil changes. Which you should do on any small engine with no oil filter. In theory you should consume a little less fuel as well.
 
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