OK, there seems to be some confusion over what Shell Rotella T oils are available and what there properties are. The reason I am sharing this information is to let you guys know that you have additional options for oil (and it only took 5 minutes and I seem to have a lot of free time today). I have used Rotella T primarily since owning my diesel and have been very happy with it. Here is a comparison I put together from all the information I have from both the Shell website and the response I got from their representative. Oils that apply to the Power Stroke engines are in bold.

Rotella T SAE 15W 40
CI-4, Yes
Antifoaming Additive, Yes(1)
Ford/International Recommended, Yes

Rotella T SAE 10W 30
CI-4, Yes
Antifoaming Additive, Yes(2)
Ford/International Recommended, Yes

Rotella T Synthetic SAE 5W 40
CI-4, Yes
Antifoaming Additive, Yes(1)
Ford/International Recommended, Yes

Rotella T SAE 10W
CI-4, No(3)
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No

Rotella T SAE 20W
CI-4, No(3)
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No

Rotella T SAE 30W
CI-4, No(3)
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No

Rotella T SAE 40W
CI-4, No(3)
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No

Rotella T SAE 50W
CI-4, No(3)
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No

Rotella T Synth Blend 10W 40
CI-4, No(4)
Antifoaming Additive, Yes(5)
Ford/International Recommended, Yes

Rotella T Synth Blend 10W 30
CI-4, No(4)
Antifoaming Additive, Yes(5)
Ford/International Recommended, Yes

Rotella T Synth Blend 0W 30
CI-4, No
Antifoaming Additive, ?
Ford/International Recommended, No



(1) This is the email I received from Shell:

John -

Thanks for the opportunity to respond to your inquiry, and thanks for
using Shell Lubricants.

Both ROTELLA T SAE 15W-40 and ROTELLA T Synthetic SAE 5W-40 contain
antifoam additives.

Peter Van Benthuysen

(2) I'm assuming that this oil has the same antifoaming additives since it also carries the CI-4 rating and is recommended for use in Ford/International engines. It wasn't addressed in the email from the Shell representative.

(3) Farm equipment, stationary diesel engines, Detroit Diesel 2-cycle engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, or any specification calling for the CF-4, CF-2, or any other obsolete C rating.

(4) This seems like it hasn't been updated yet since this should be a blend of the regular and synthetic oils approved under the API rating CI-4.

(5) The 10W 40 and 10W 30 synthetic blends have the CH-4 rating. These oils probably (not confirmed) have antifoaming additives since they are designed for use in engines calling for the CH-4 rating, which requires antifoaming additives.

Could be they had the rating changed recently. Maybe Walmart has an old inventory or Shell is using up old containers.

The current ratings are the same. As I said earlier, you can't go wrong with Mobil or Rotella. In the end I don't think it makes a difference between the 2, but it does make a difference knowing that you have a choice.

 

O-sure you just think you know me..........cause you met my type in the city

Door open.....huh......who me


Slow learner I are

 

I'll be merciful...this time

 

What's the price difference on Mobil 1 Truck & SUV and Rotella T Synthetic at Walmart?

 

I found I still had the .pdf of the older Rotella T Synthetic oil, so I compared it to the new link jonhsdiesel provided. I did find some differences between the old CH-4 rated oil and the new CI-4 oil.

The CH-4 oil met API CH-4 and Cummins 20071 & 20076 approvals where as the new oil meets earlier specs plus API CI-4 & Cummins 20078 approvals.

As far as physical properties go, I will provide only the ones that changed. The older CH-4 oil had a viscosity of 88.8 cSt @ 40ºC vs. 90 cSt of the CI-4. The neutralization No. TBN-E is 10 for the older CH-4 oil vs. 11.5 for the CI-4 oil. Sufated ash content % by weight for the CH-4 oil is 1.3 vs. 1.47 for the CI-4 oil.

The differences look very minor and I don't know how they could affect overall performance and wear, but just wanted to show the difference. I also wanted to inform others that there still is some CH-4 rated Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5W40 on the store shelves. I don't have anything against the Shell oil, but was just trying to find a CI-4 rated oil. It looks as if the new formulation of the Rotella T Synthetic meets this approval, now I just have to find it.

Here is also a link about Castrol oil which helps explain the need for additives in the newer CI-4 oils due to the EGR system ---- http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m.../article.jhtml

 

JohnsDiesel & Twin Tritons
Thanks a lot for the work and research that you both shared with us. I am now much better informed. At least I have a choice. Neither oil is widely stocked so there may be times when we have to switch which because they are so similar will be O.K.
Thanks again.

 

Your welcome. That's what FTE is all about. I've learned quite a bit since I started posting here. If I need some information chances are comeone on FTE can help me out.

 

You're welcome also. I enjoy researching topics and sharing this information with others. I also like to get input from others here at FTE to make a informed decision for myself. I'd also like to thank JohnsDiesel for his info because without it, I would not have know about the new Shell specs.

 

Because they (shell) chose not to include that specific wording on thier label. They probably thought that the consumer with a $40,000 truck should be able to read their owners manual, or look up the new CI-4 rating online at API's website, and make a sound decision for themself. I promise you that we are the low end of the spectrum here with $40,000 invested in our trucks. Go price a new PETE, KW, Freightshaker, or Volvo. Think those owner operators don't read their owners manuals, I think not.

 

Yes, but if you read the label it clearly states that it is approved for use in Ford diesel engines. They don't list all of the other additives in the additive package either.

 

Johnsdiesel, they must have lost my message or something in the system. I still havent recieved my message back. Oh well, since you have an answer from them I have been proven wrong. However, my Ford Dealerships around here do not recommend the Rotella T anyways.

 

PSD6litre40, just so you know, my goal was not to prove you wrong. My goal was to let people know that Rotella T is an option for use in their engine.

 

I know I was just posting what I was told. Nothiong was took personal.

 

This has been a very helpful and objective discussion. I have learned much. Thanks again.

 

Stay with the proper grade and type of 15W-40 oil.

Had Blackstone Lab analysis done and here is what they said about my oil (and all 6.0L motors i general). This motor is breaking down oil to that of a 30 weight. Would hate to start with 30 weight and end up with something close to 20 weight which will ruin your motor!!!.

Here is Blackstone's comments...

JEFF: The viscosity in this sample did improve a little over your last sample, although it is still slightly low for a 15W/40 oil. We have been finding that the 6.0L Power Stroke is notorious for shearing down the oil's viscosity. Most of the samples we see from these engines have a lower viscosity, regardless of the brand of oil. We don't think your viscosity is a problem at all, as it is reading in a 30W range. No fuel, coolant, or water contamination was found, and insolubles were low, showing good oil filtration. This looks like a very nice wearing engine at 22,100 miles.

Thanks,

Jeff