how does the chevron delo 400 rate?

[shendren]

i noticed that the delo 400 chevron 15w40 is slightly cheaper but was wondering if it was any better that the rotell t? thanks for any comments.



scott.

 

[DennyDay]

Delo 400

Have used Delo 400 since 1982 on all my diesels, total of 7. Average 200k miles on each and never had an oil related problem. Delo and Rotella T about equal, just a question of price and availability. (We use Rotella in company PSDs)(They would have been Dodges if DC saw fit to make a crew cab!) Listen hard DC.

Denny

 

[D White]

I've used both and feel they're pretty equal. Delo 400 is the better choice for colder climates, flows better in -0 temps.



Doug

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Just recently changed to Delo 400 after decades of using Rotella T in farm, construction and on road diesel engines. Never a problem with the Rotella or any engine failure, but the Delo 15W 40 flows better then even Rotella 10W 30 when cold. I used the info on their respective websites to compare. No adverse effects from the changeover... . yet?

 

[Cooker]

Scott,

Both are excellent oils for shorter oil change intervals (less than 10k miles). IMO the Delo is a little better.



One of the reasons is mentioned above, better cold weather pumpability than the Rotella. In Florida this is really a moot point for you.



The TBN of the Delo is higher 11. 3 compared to Rotella's 10. 2. In theory the Delo should hold up better and last longer in the crankcase. I'm not sure if this is the case in real life. Only oil analysis can answer this question for us, but I suspect it would hold true. I have seen good oil analysis from guys who ran the Delo 7k miles. I would imagine under the same conditions the Rotella would have come back with similar numbers.



Lubrication Engineers did some testing of oils and the Delo showed considerably less wear than the Rotella T. Their oxidation resistance, which is a number we can use to theorize how long an oil will last (useful when comparing oxidation resistance of other oils) were nearly identical. Give this the oils will hold up about the same during the uselful life of the oil in your crankcase. Again, whether this is true or not in real life can only be determined by oil analysis.



Walmart sells both the Rotella and the Delo (at least here in MI they do) so availablily may be a moot point for you as well.



I know Jessup recommended the Rotella to you, and I'm sure this is weighing heavy in your decision. There are a lot of guys on this board that are using these oils and I don't think you will find anyone with any negative comments on either. Utlimatley it's your truck and you need to run what you feel most comfortable with.

 

[Spaceace]

I beg to differ !!!!!!

Smell Smell Smell



It's not called RoSmella for nothing.

Delo less smello.

 

[Mackie007]

I will be switching to Delo on my next oil change, this is based on the smell issue. Both oils have comparable stats, for me the stinky rottela smell gives the delo my vote

 

[DHawthorne]

Hey down in Ft Pierce, next time you up on 95 north of FL70 stop at the Flying J and ask the guy who changes the oil in the big rigs. See what he says as far as sales goes, Rotella vs Delo.



Both are good oils, delo is alot darker in color than rotella. I like pulling the dip stick out at 7k and still be able to see through the oil. If for some reason that changes, I think I've got some blow bye. Just my way of keeping track of wear without all the sampling. I use a vis gauge occassionally. Total base number is not important if you change your oil inside 7k. The base number shows the oils ability to handle acids from sulfur and other stuff in the fuel that make it into the crankcase. The bigger the base number the more it nuetralizes the acid. Not much sulfur out there these days, unless your running red fuel.



See ya on the big road.



Dave