I was reading the new Rotella specs. and was quite impressed. What do the experts think? Is this now better than Delvac 1300--it looks like I could use it all year around. Roger
New Rotella
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which rotella?
"Rotella" sounds like a type of pasta to me
They sell the Rotella T 15W-40 "Adanced Soot Control" at my local NAPA. Nothing new...
The pour point is now -40 --- that is a big change. Can this now be used all year. ( 15W40 ) Roger
Roger,
I just saw that -40F/C on the Shell site. The date of the update is 2/04. Personally I think someone made a mistake unless Shell has done a major reformulation. I would buy something on the order of -15F for 15W40 Shell Rotella T. Shell has one of the worst pour points of the HDEO's. Again, I do stand corrected if this is a major reformulation, but I don't think so. JMO
[ February 26, 2004, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: 59 Vetteman ]
I just saw that -40F/C on the Shell site. The date of the update is 2/04. Personally I think someone made a mistake unless Shell has done a major reformulation. I would buy something on the order of -15F for 15W40 Shell Rotella T. Shell has one of the worst pour points of the HDEO's. Again, I do stand corrected if this is a major reformulation, but I don't think so. JMO
[ February 26, 2004, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: 59 Vetteman ]
Whoa, I'm MIA from BiTOG for two days and we have ourselves a major development in the HDEO world!
Is this is true, then it would solve my only major problem with Rotella, but like Vetteman previously said, I really think this is a misprint, just like the misprint on the current Pennzoil Long-Life sheet which lists the wrong flashpoints...
Would someone else soon post a message on the Rotella message board asking the "TechExpert" what is going on here? I would, but I'm stapped for time...heck, I don't even know why I'm typing this right now!
Jelly.
[ February 26, 2004, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: Jelly ]
Is this is true, then it would solve my only major problem with Rotella, but like Vetteman previously said, I really think this is a misprint, just like the misprint on the current Pennzoil Long-Life sheet which lists the wrong flashpoints...
Would someone else soon post a message on the Rotella message board asking the "TechExpert" what is going on here? I would, but I'm stapped for time...heck, I don't even know why I'm typing this right now!
Jelly.
[ February 26, 2004, 09:56 PM: Message edited by: Jelly ]
If you look at the tech sheet for 15w-40 on rotella.com you'll see that the pour points haven't changed. I have inquired a couple times to Shell's oil tech 800 number as to why they haven't updated the tech sheet for Rotella 5w-40 synthetic. They say something like, "oh you're right, I'll have the folks that take care of the website post the new tech sheet". I wonder if they really did reformulate the dino Rotella and just haven't updated Rotella.com? Seems like Shell is getting a bit sloppy.
On a different note, yesterday I was looking at the cold cranking stats for Chevron Delo 10w-30. I noticed that it's listed as 3150cP@-20c. 10w oils are rated at -25c not -20c. I called Chevron's oil tech line and they said yep it's a typo and it should read "3150cP@-25c". Correct me if I'm wrong, but 3150cP@-25c is a really, really good cold cranking rating?
Wayne
On a different note, yesterday I was looking at the cold cranking stats for Chevron Delo 10w-30. I noticed that it's listed as 3150cP@-20c. 10w oils are rated at -25c not -20c. I called Chevron's oil tech line and they said yep it's a typo and it should read "3150cP@-25c". Correct me if I'm wrong, but 3150cP@-25c is a really, really good cold cranking rating?
Wayne
Rotella T 15W40 Spec. Sheets from Rotella:
http://www.shell-lubricants.com/products/pdf/ROTELLA T MG.PDF
http://www.shell-lubricants.com/products/pdf/ROTELLA T MG.PDF
This is confusing! The Shell site that toyvwbeny linked showed a pour point of -40 and the Shell site that 59 vetteman linked showed a pour point of -15. I would go back to Rotella if the -40 was true but I am having a hard time beliving it. Can anyone explain what is going on at Shell. Roger
Roger:
The latest Shell pds appears to contain typo's. I don't buy a 15W-40 and a 10W-30 having the same exact "pour point."
But, just like Mobil, Shell doesn't publish MRV and CCS data, so we're left in the dark. "Pour point" is meaningless without actual MRV data to back it up.
Regarding viscosity, I can only repeat what Cat tells you:
Recommended Viscosity For Ambient Range
15W-40 +15 to +122 F (-9.5 to +50 C)
10W-30 0 to +104 F (-18 to +40 C)
5W-40 synth -22 to +122 F (-30 to +50 C)
0W-30 Arctic -40 to +86 F (-40 to +30 C)
As you can see, both a "regular" 15W-40 HDEO and a synthetic 5W-40, like Delvac 1, have summer ambient temp ratings to +50 C or +122 F.
According to Cat, the 5W-40 synthetic should only be used down to -30 C or -22 F. So for an oil like Delvac 1, that means it's unsuitable in most parts of Canada in winter.
As you have previously expressed concern about extended OCI's, which is the only way a synthetic HDEO makes sense anyway, I suggest the following grades at your current OCI:
Esso XD-3 15W-40 summer, $2.25 a litre
Esso XD-3 0W-30 or 0W-40 winter, $4.25 a litre
In any case, I suggest you speak with your authorized Caterpillar engine dealer and/or authorized Caterpillar service centre to determine which viscosity to use in your Cat motor.
To assist your Cat dealer, print out the detailed Esso XD-3 test results. Unlike Mobil or Shell, Esso has nothing to hide and lists numerous MRV and CCS test points on all their oils.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
The latest Shell pds appears to contain typo's. I don't buy a 15W-40 and a 10W-30 having the same exact "pour point."
But, just like Mobil, Shell doesn't publish MRV and CCS data, so we're left in the dark. "Pour point" is meaningless without actual MRV data to back it up.
Regarding viscosity, I can only repeat what Cat tells you:
Recommended Viscosity For Ambient Range
15W-40 +15 to +122 F (-9.5 to +50 C)
10W-30 0 to +104 F (-18 to +40 C)
5W-40 synth -22 to +122 F (-30 to +50 C)
0W-30 Arctic -40 to +86 F (-40 to +30 C)
As you can see, both a "regular" 15W-40 HDEO and a synthetic 5W-40, like Delvac 1, have summer ambient temp ratings to +50 C or +122 F.
According to Cat, the 5W-40 synthetic should only be used down to -30 C or -22 F. So for an oil like Delvac 1, that means it's unsuitable in most parts of Canada in winter.
As you have previously expressed concern about extended OCI's, which is the only way a synthetic HDEO makes sense anyway, I suggest the following grades at your current OCI:
Esso XD-3 15W-40 summer, $2.25 a litre
Esso XD-3 0W-30 or 0W-40 winter, $4.25 a litre
In any case, I suggest you speak with your authorized Caterpillar engine dealer and/or authorized Caterpillar service centre to determine which viscosity to use in your Cat motor.
To assist your Cat dealer, print out the detailed Esso XD-3 test results. Unlike Mobil or Shell, Esso has nothing to hide and lists numerous MRV and CCS test points on all their oils.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
Wow I didn't even think XD-3 was available in the U.S.
Yeah, it's a good oil and I've always had good results. Guys I know that run XD-3 in their personal equipment report the motor is clean as a whistle, even +20 years old.
As a group, any good HDEO will provide superior results in a gasoline motor. I've always liked XD-3 as it's made in Canada and appears blended for the harsh Canadian climate.
The Esso Research facility in Sarnia Ontario invented lithium-complex greases and did a lot of research to prevent Ring Grove Fill.
Jerry
heyjay, I have 450K miles on a 240D ( '81, 1-owner), 210K on an F-150 gas, etc. and 25K hours on a variety of 3406Bs, with no oil related problems. I have used it for racing, and have had no unusual cam, bearing, or cylinder wear. How can you beat this in a mild climate like Texas? Exxon Research in Houston seems to know their stuff too. The 15W is about $6 per gallon here, but I have never seen it anywhere but at the wholesaler. Bet it will work fine in Nissans too, as long as sulfur is low.
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