Rotella Ask Our Expert: Lubricant Properties

[wsa111]

Dear William,

Zinc levels are being lowered on almost all engine oils, but the heavy duty diesel engine oils, such as the Rotella T, will continue to have higher levels than the passenger car/gasoline engine oils. Even though the zinc level is being reduced, all the oils will continue to have antiwear protection - they will just use different additives than the zinc.

The Rotella T 15W-40 meets API SL, SJ, SH and all previous specifications for gasoline engines. The 15W-40 viscosity is heavier than what is recommended for most gasoline engines, but if you feel comfortable with it, then there should be no problem. Rotella T 15W-40 is recommended for and used in many mixed fleet applications. It does have a higher antiwear level to protect the heavy duty diesel engines and should give you very good performance in protecting the cams in your engine.

Thank you for your interest in our products! If you have any further questions, please call us at 800 231 6950.

Sincerely,
MaryCarol Boemmel
Lubrication Engineer
http://www.shell-lubricants.com

 

[65coupei6]

I know a few people who use diesel engine oil in gas cars. Actually, one of my buddies works at Shell so I get all my info from him.

If it is a daily driver I say use the T 15W-40 with regular oil changes. If it is more of a weekend/show car driver than use Royal Purple 10w-40 and change the oil once a year.

 

[powerband]

I got basically the same response from the Valvoline customer service. The company line is :

You should not have any problem with the new formulation but if you have concerns use the Premium Blue diesel fleet oil.

PS I asked how you can figure out which has the reduced additives annd the answer was all the new SM grade oils .

I've switched to using the Rotella T in all my flat tappet cam engines.

Powerband 8)