Rotella T1 HDEO Question

[rummy]

Greetings Bitogers,

Can someone explain this to me. I've googled this topic but can't find a definitive answer. Maybe someone here can help me out. RT1 advertises the following:

Application

Shell Rotella® T1 oils are suitable for use in many turbos and non-turbocharged light/medium-duty diesel-powered trucks and transport operations, including city operations and long-distance service.
Shell Rotella® T1 can provide dependable lubrication for small-to-medium-agricultural equipment, such as tractors. Also suitable for many low/medium-powered stationary applications such as diesel-powered water pumps, generators, etc.
Shell Rotella® T1 is suitable for use in mobile hydraulic and transmission systems, as well as for stop-start conditions in construction, mining, or quarry operations, protecting against bearing wear and deposit formation. Not recommended for high-speed engines.


Rotella states: Not recommended for high-speed engines.

What does this mean?

What are applications considered 'HIGH-SPEED' engines?

Would a gasoline or natural gas powered generator running at 3,600 RPM be considered 'high-speed'? I ask because I know there are diesel water cooled engines that run at 1,800 RPMs.

Thanks for the responses in advanced.

 

[skyactiv]

I'm a semi mechanic and went to Nashville Auto Diesel college.
As odd as it sounds, the high speed engines they are referring to run at lower RPM than road going diesel engines used in semis, pick ups and passenger vehicles.
Ships use a low speed diesel while a tug boat and a luxury yacht might have a high speed diesel.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I think I would move on to Rotella T4 and avoid the issue. JMO.

 

[bullwinkle]

T1 is really made for and intended for Detroit Diesel 2 stroke diesels (rated CF-2), it has a fairly low TBN and sulphated ash level. It's a decent oil, but regular old Rotella T/T4 Triple Protection (CK-4) would be a better choice for a normal 4 stroke diesel engine, with it's higher TBN and more modern formulation. T1 has been popping up all over the place & I'm not sure why, there's not that many screamin' demons left out there!

 

[bullwinkle]

Originally Posted by rummy
Greetings Bitogers,

Can someone explain this to me. I've googled this topic but can't find a definitive answer. Maybe someone here can help me out. RT1 advertises the following:

Application

Shell Rotella® T1 oils are suitable for use in many turbos and non-turbocharged light/medium-duty diesel-powered trucks and transport operations, including city operations and long-distance service.
Shell Rotella® T1 can provide dependable lubrication for small-to-medium-agricultural equipment, such as tractors. Also suitable for many low/medium-powered stationary applications such as diesel-powered water pumps, generators, etc.
Shell Rotella® T1 is suitable for use in mobile hydraulic and transmission systems, as well as for stop-start conditions in construction, mining, or quarry operations, protecting against bearing wear and deposit formation. Not recommended for high-speed engines.


Rotella states: Not recommended for high-speed engines.

What does this mean?

What are applications considered 'HIGH-SPEED' engines?

Would a gasoline or natural gas powered generator running at 3,600 RPM be considered 'high-speed'? I ask because I know there are diesel water cooled engines that run at 1,800 RPMs.

Thanks for the responses in advanced.


Also, while a small-to-medium gas generator can benefit from using heavy duty diesel rated oil for extended high temp operation, it's not really a requirement. Although I use Rotella T5 10W30 in my HF Predator gas engine powered log splitter, mainly so I don't break the rope or dislocate my shoulder pull starting it below 32F!

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted by skyactiv
I'm a semi mechanic and went to Nashville Auto Diesel college.
As odd as it sounds, the high speed engines they are referring to run at lower RPM than road going diesel engines used in semis, pick ups and passenger vehicles.
Ships use a low speed diesel while a tug boat and a luxury yacht might have a high speed diesel.


LOL, this is like a F150 being "heavy duty" and a F550 being "medium duty."

Thanks for the definition.

 

[bullwinkle]

I'm not sure relative engine speed makes a big difference, but in consumption (slobber) a 2 stroke uses a lot more oil than a tight 4 stroke does-and most 2 strokes won't get above 2200 RPM or so (but making power on every crankshaft revolution), and 4-stroke diesels can usually run up to 3300-3600 or so.

 

[Linctex]

I have run straight 30 Shell Rotella T1 in a 4-cyl Yamaha motorcycle for years with no harmful effects whatsoever.

It regularly saw 10,000 rpms.

Back in the late 80's, I think it was a "CC/CD" oil at that time. it's been to long to remember for sure.

 

[bullwinkle]

It's rated CF/CF-2 now, and with a fairly low TBN of 7.5, and no gasoline engine certs. Of all the common HDEOs, it's not one of the first I would pick to use in a gasoline application. Maybe in a motorcycle shared sump application it would do OK? If straight weight is what one is looking for, Rotella T3/T4 & Delo 400 SAE 30 would be a better idea, or even a HD 30W like PYB or many others would do fine. T1 seems kind of overpriced for what it is around here with no rebates, the superior T6 is usually cheaper AR.

 

[BrocLuno]

Well, superior is debatable ... And we probably will ...

The thing about T1 is it's all oil. No VII's at all. Nothing to shear.

No change in grade except through oxidative thickening. It's been a dependable 30 grade for ever. Nothing wrong with using it, but I generally prefer Delo (I like blue containers...).

The TBN should not be an issue if you change it every year or two ...

 

[ChrisGuerrero]

Hi @rummy, great question! Shell Rotella T1 meets the API CF/CF-2 diesel service categories - the subsequent categories like API CF-4, CG-4, etc (which we do not recommend Shell Rotella T1 for) can be considered to be high speed diesel engine oil categories. You can check your service manual for the required specification to see if Shell Rotella T1 would be suitable or call our Technical Team at 1-800-BEST-OIL for further assistance. Hope this helps!

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted by bullwinkle
I'm not sure relative engine speed makes a big difference, but in consumption (slobber) a 2 stroke uses a lot more oil than a tight 4 stroke does-and most 2 strokes won't get above 2200 RPM or so (but making power on every crankshaft revolution), and 4-stroke diesels can usually run up to 3300-3600 or so.

They are considered high speed diesel engines. Most of the otr truck diesels years ago turned 2100 RPM governed rpm and the 2 stroke Detroits 2300 rpm.governed The RPMs have been dropping ever since for greater MPGs.