Now that CI-4 oil is gone, what are you all using?

[mhenon]

According to Shell, Synthetic 5w40 Rotella CI-4 was scheduled to be replaced with a CJ-4 version starting in September 07. That was stated on their site... I've seen a bunch of NOS stuff that was CI-4, but I really don't scope out oil I don't run...

steved

I thought I saw repackaged 5W/40 Rotella T (syn) a while ago but can't remember where. Maybe I was just looking at the new 15W/40 packaging and got confused (man... this getting old crap sucks!!).

Anyway, I still see the 5W/40 synthetic in the old blue containers and they don't appear to be running out. While it's only a group III synthetic those folks doing oil analysis (Jetta anyway) are getting good service out to 10K miles and more. The Jetta TDI, with EGR, is probably a little tougher on oil than the pre-2007 Cummins so I feel safe to run it to 10K. Usually though I just change oil and filter every year and don't look at mileage at all.

Both rigs just hit 100K miles and running great so somethings working.

Mike

 

[rbattelle]

If I change at 3K intervals, does it really matter if I use CI or CJ?

Probably not. Like you, I change at 3k.



But I still plan on making the effort to try to find CI-4. Why? Helps me sleep better at night.



Ryan

 

[egalley]

I've been using Rotella 5w40 synthetic for at least 7 years. I run 15,000 mi. oil changes and have never gotten a bad oil aynalisis. I used to change the filter at 7,500 but found I don't even need to do that. I've even used it in my 318 Dodge with 7,500 mi. changes. Until they change it, I wouldn't use anything else.

 

[DPellegrin]

Gentlemen- I guess I understand your concerns CJ-4 vs, CI-4. The concerns come from primarily the reduction of phosphorus to 0. 08% max. As phosphorus is an anti-wear additive that shows up in most CI-4s. Phosphorus reduction were initiated in the mid-90s in pass car oils because of catalyst poisoning concerns and continue to this day. The concern comes from the poor experience with engines that have flat tappet cam followers with oils that have reduced phosphorus. However, most diesels have roller followers and therefore not as much anti-wear is needed.



The CJ-4 features additional anti-wear by non-metal additives. They have more "synthetic like" (Group II) base stocks. I think CJ-4 got a bad rap when some folks who were doing oil analysis switched from CI-4 to CJ-4 thought the spike in wear metals was from the CJ-4 oil. The spike is primarily in the lead and copper and some iron. This spike comes from the CJ-4 change in chemistry. It tends to clean-up engine parts removing some of the older oxides and sulfides from the CI-4. This increase in wear metals has been shown to be temporary. This may appear to be increased wear, but really is not.



My advice is that for those of you that are running engines with flat tappets, run a CI-4 formulation with at least 0. 1% phosphorus ( I am unsure when the ISB went to roller tappets). For those of you that have engines with roller cams and tappets the CJ-4 category would be an excellent choice as you are more likely to be able to extend oil drain intervals (based on UOAs of course).



Regards,

 

[rbattelle]

( I am unsure when the ISB went to roller tappets).

All the 5. 9 engines through 2006 had solid tappets (no rollers).

I don't know about the 6. 7.

Ryan

 

[JCasper]

What do you all think of the Mobil Delvac 1300. It was labeled CI-4 Plus on the back.



I found it for $9. 79 a gallon and I'm wondering if it's any good. If it is I am going to go buy a bunch of it.



Mobil Delvac 1300 Super

 

[amsoilman]

What do you all think of the Mobil Delvac 1300. It was labeled CI-4 Plus on the back.



I found it for $9. 79 a gallon and I'm wondering if it's any good. If it is I am going to go buy a bunch of it.



Mobil Delvac 1300 Super

It is a good oil and is API rated as CJ-4, but is backward compatible as are most oils.



Wayne

 

[Shelby Griggs]

As was mentioned above, Valvoline is one option they make TWO products that are still NON CJ-4, and one that is CJ-4. I have been running the Premium Blue Extreme Synthetic for a long time now, never have sampled BUT usually run 7-10K on a change. That oil is still a CI-4. The NON EXTREME flavor has gone to CJ-4, hopefully they will keep the old formula with the "extreme" flavor! I believe any NAPA store can get this if not on the shelf, they tend to not stock too much, I usually just order a case of 4 gallons a day or two before I want to change. It isn't cheap, I think it went up a bunch recently, and $25 a gallon or thereabouts sticks in my mind.





SHG

 

[tgordon]

I takled to a parts person at a ag equipment dealership and they will continue to have CI-4+ supplied from current suppliers until outlawed. I belive somewhere around 2012, but I am not sure aobut that. As to the debate aobut lifters, everything in my book indicates tappets as stated before.

 

[telliott]

is the rotella synthetic 5-40 ok to run in the summer? or would i be better off using a 15-40?

 

[amsoilman]

is the rotella synthetic 5-40 ok to run in the summer? or would i be better off using a 15-40?

At operating temperatures, both of these oils are of the same Viscosity, so it would be just fine to use either one in the summer. I've used 5W-30 year around before, with no problems, however I now use 15W-40 year around.



Wayne