Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Rotella T 15w-40 in a 2001

[MFranz]

Is anyone using Shells Rotella T 15w-40 in a second generation truck. The label says it is API approved for CJ-4,CI-4+ use. I have always used Delo oil in the past but cannot find it readily available.



Thanks,Mike

 

[NIsaacs]

I used it for years before they priced themselves out of my market. Alco stores carried it cheaper then anyone before the oil prices went sky high. It does have a funky smell when you first change it.



I now buy Car Quest or Napa store brand and try to buy it on sale. It is made by Valvoline/Ashland Oil CO. I use it in all my trucks manual transmissions too, so I use a lot. I am really not afraid to use any 15/40 Fleet Diesel Engine oil, they all pretty much meet all engine specs.



Nick

 

[JLandry]

I've used it off and on over the years... no problems noted.



I typically use whatever brand my local Costco has, which is either the Delo or Rottela. I use them interchangeably.



John L.

 

[MFranz]

Thanks Nick for the feedback. After searching thru the forums this oil selection was getting
######??????. With the regen systems and low sulphur fuel and CJ-4 oil and the lack of readily available CI-4 oil Im in search of the easy and cheaper answer. It seems like the Rotella is backwards compatible but is it as good as straight CI-4+ like Delo was or does it make that much difference in the long haul.

Thanks

 

[MFranz]

Thanks John,I here you regarding Costco,great place to shop. The stores near me don't have Delo now. Was buying it there. My main concern is CJ-4 oil versus CI-1+. Are folks driving 2nd Generation trucks useing the newer CJ-4 rated oils and is this blessed by Cummins. The bigger question is does it really make a difference.



Thanks,Mike

 

[JLandry]

My main concern is CJ-4 oil versus CI-1+. Are folks driving 2nd Generation trucks useing the newer CJ-4 rated oils and is this blessed by Cummins. The bigger question is does it really make a difference.

Mike,

I can't speak for anyone else or Cummins of course, but I've been using CJ-4 since it first started widely showing up on shelves sometime around 2007 (I think). I change the oil and filter at 7,500 miles or less and my driving is probably 75% highway miles. Oil analysis I'm having done by Blackstone Labs seems normal.

So even if CI-4+ is better for my engine, I'm not worried about it and I certainly don't go out of my way to try and find it. I guess time will tell if this is the right approach. Personally I think there are more important things to obsess about... like the lift pump, VP44 health, fuel pressure, and the transmission.

Maybe my engine will only make it to 400,000 miles instead of 500,000 miles.

John L.

 

[Tractorat]

Just what is the diff between the cj1 and the cj4 ? Is it zddp ?

 

[JLandry]

Just what is the diff between the cj1 and the cj4 ? Is it zddp ?

I had a typo... the discussion is about CI-4+ versus CJ-4.



Differences between these two certifications can be found here:



API CJ-4 Service Category Description



Be sure to read the API CJ-4 FAQ for some good information.



John L.

 

[MFranz]

Bingo,that's what I was looking for. Thanks John for that information . Just what I needed to hear. If I read it right if my fuel exceeds 15 ppm sulfer content then you have to adjust your change interval. Other then that it is acceptable . I'm with you there are more important things to worry about.
Thanks again.
Mike

 

[KLauber]

Why use old fashioned petroleum oils these days? The chemically engineered base stock that is the foundation of all Amsoil products allows the user to extend the change interval to a minimum of 25,000 miles or further if oil analysis says its ok to do so. For unmodified engines of course , so if you have a sled pulling monster, then better check your oil before 25K miles!

 

[JLandry]

Why use old fashioned petroleum oils these days?

__________________



Ken

Amsoil Dealer

I knew this was coming!



John L.

 

[Moe]

15-40 Rotella T always every 4500 miles. No problems Dont understand the fuss about CJ CI C4. Clean fresh oil is always better. Moe

 

[KLauber]

I knew this was coming!



John L.

Sorry I was out of town and didn't see the thread otherwise I would have jumped in sooner!! :-laf

 

[KLauber]

John L. ,

Moe changes his oil 5 times before I change mine. He spends $50 bucks each time on oil, filter and assorted stuff. I spend $150 once while he spends $250 or more. Plus while he's banging knuckles, I'm relaxing. At the end of the 25K, I'll send a sample to the lab for $25 and will not be surprised if they say keep on trucking! How often do you change your oil John L? This is not rocket science, its advanced chemical engineering.....

 

[JLandry]

Ken,

Your veiled advertisements for a product you're selling are tiptoeing awful close to violating the TDR user guidelines.

I'll stick with Dodge's recommendations thank you very much.

John L.

 

[bheiting]

Read John Martin's Technical Topics articles in TDR issues 56-58, about oil formulations. You can read the digital versions on this web site. He was a petroleum engineer for Lubrizol and holds many patents. He did a series of blind tests on a number of oils. Don't waste your money on Amsoil, they rated the same as Walmart.

 

[KLauber]

Ken,



Your veiled advertisements for a product you're selling are tiptoeing awful close to violating the TDR user guidelines.



I'll stick with Dodge's recommendations thank you very much.



John L.

Take it up with the site admin, then.

 

[KLauber]

Read John Martin's Technical Topics articles in TDR issues 56-58, about oil formulations. You can read the digital versions on this web site. He was a petroleum engineer for Lubrizol and holds many patents. He did a series of blind tests on a number of oils. Don't waste your money on Amsoil, they rated the same as Walmart.

I guess you did not read the articles carefully (54 through 58). But then again you refer to almost 4 year old information. Martin rated Amsoil ahead of the Walmart brand which is made not by Walmart. Of course the Amsoil is made by Amsoil. And both Martin and Patton recommend oil analysis to extend change frequency, which I do also. By the way, you waste your money on Walmart brand, not on Amsoil. $250 per 25K miles (Walmart) vs $150 per 25K miles (Amsoil).

 

[NIsaacs]

Why use old fashioned petroleum oils these days?

Maybe because it works? I have no problem with those that want to use synthetic oils, extend drain intervals, use oil analysis or even use bypass filters. I am sure that the manufactures only advertise the "good" reasons for using their products and ignore any negative possibilities. Cummins says synthetic oil is "ok" but recommended normal change intervals.



Old fashion works for me.



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Read John Martin's Technical Topics articles in TDR issues 56-58, about oil formulations. You can read the digital versions on this web site. He was a petroleum engineer for Lubrizol and holds many patents. He did a series of blind tests on a number of oils. Don't waste your money on Amsoil, they rated the same as Walmart.

Ohhh, nooooo! That is a sacrilege. You have committed a terrible sin. Now the Amway and other synthetic oil fanatics will come unglued and post their wild-eyed claims for the next three weeks.

The truth is a very dangerous thing sometimes.

I have never purchased a quart or magic synthetic oil but by some amazing quirk of fate my first Cummins, an HO/six speed, still runs great with 365k miles on it now owned by the young mechanic who maintained and repaired it when I owned it. He is familiar with its very poor and neglected service history of Shell Rotella 15-40 conventional oil and Fleetguard filters ever 10k miles.