Shell Rotella T vs Shell Rotella synthetic

[tractorhauler]

In the last 2 Cummins powered pickups I had, a 1998 5.9 and a 2008 6.7, both with 245000 miles when I sold them, I used Shell Rotella T 15w40 and Fram 3976 oil filters. I thought maybe with this new 2018 6.7 I would run Shell Rotella synthetic. But 1st I wanted to get the knowledge of the gurus on here. Oil is oil and DEF is DEF so let's not get into the technical stuff. I change my oil every 12 to 15,000 miles. My main concern is, Shell Rotella synthetic is only 5w40. Rotella t is 15w40. Im in Michigan and it gets cold but never have I had a starting problem because of cold temps and thick oil.
MARK

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Run the 5w40 and at 10K miles pull a sample and have it tested. That way you’ll know for sure what’s going on.

 

[EDankievitch]

Factory fill is 5-40 synthetic. I was running the Shell rotella 5-40 until this last oil change. The one thing I noticed aside from my wallet being a few dollars fuller is the engine is quieter on the 15-40. I ran allmy other trucks on 15-40, mt 89 had well over 500k miles on it and was still going strong when I sold it. I really have to wonder if the synthetic oil is worth the extra cost.....

 

[JR]

Food for thought, we have several Cummins powered engines in a fleet of cranes, 5.9, 6.7, 8.3, serviced at 500 hour intervals, on fleet spec oil. Mostly Shell Rimula T3 15w40. Many are in surplus of 10,000 hours, burn little oil and run excellent. This being in temps ranging from 90+ degrees F to as low as -20F and on the rare occasion colder. Granted they always get plugged in at night when ever the temps flirt with single digits and below.

On my 98 I ran extended intervals because those engines are relatively easy on oil in moderate to heavy use. But the 6.7 with EGR all but throws out the possibility of extended drains. In my experiences any modern conventional 15w40 is more than adequate provided you do not have to cold start in Sub zero temps.

If there is a weak spot in the new engines it is within the fuel system. While the 13+ engines do have improved filtration it is still not up to par to consistently go 250k and beyond on original injectors. If there was ever a better ROI it is without a doubt fuel filtration.

 

[Tuesdak]

Filters are more important than the choice of engine oil. Air filters (OEM does a great job), keeping the intake free of dust leaks, oil filters, and fuel filters. The Fram Group bought out and now makes a lot of common brands of oil filters. They have treated me like **** when I reported a defective Mobil 1 oil filter (Why yes, The Fram Group makes Mobil 1 oil filters...) to them and look how much fun a filter caused engine failure is to beat out of them:

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ed-piston-51-000-miles-Fram-filter-the-cause?

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I use Rotella 15w40. I just changed the oil and planned to switch to the T6 but I couldn't get myself to pony up the money for it. I used Amsoil in all previous Dodge/ Rams forever. I guess I grew tired of paying the price for high end oil.

 

[Learjet]

Rotella T5 syn blend...online rebate until the end of year and you'll get $5 back per gallon or $15 total. Just bought the oil for my second change and got my second $15 rebate.

Just google shell rotella rebate and it will take you to their site.

 

[Killer223]

oils is oil, run what ever you want, long as it's diesel rated, and of the correct grade for the climate you live. wither one you listed will be fine. Me however i'd choose the 15/40 for a stouter add package. the t6 is CK, and the other is still CJ.

 

[Rebel Horseman]

It’s worth noting that in the owners manual on my ‘15 it recommends 15w40 conventional for operating temperatures above freezing and 5w40 synthetic for colder temperatures. I run it all year but that’s more because I tend to do a lot of idling and a fair amount of towing and running hard. I always run either a Fleetguard or Mopar oil filter (as well as fuel filters).


‘15 Ram 2500 CC/SWB 4x4 Tradesman 6.7/68RFE, 285/70r17 Firestone Destination MT2s, BD Throttle Sensitivity Booster, Stealth Module, Westin Max winch carrier and bull bar, Feniex Typhoon handheld, Federal Viper lighting.

 

[Learjet]

oils is oil, run what ever you want, long as it's diesel rated, and of the correct grade for the climate you live. wither one you listed will be fine. Me however i'd choose the 15/40 for a stouter add package. the t6 is CK, and the other is still CJ.

The shell T5 is CK rated

 

[Learjet]

It’s worth noting that in the owners manual on my ‘15 it recommends 15w40 conventional for operating temperatures above freezing and 5w40 synthetic for colder temperatures. I run it all year but that’s more because I tend to do a lot of idling and a fair amount of towing and running hard. I always run either a Fleetguard or Mopar oil filter (as well as fuel filters).


‘15 Ram 2500 CC/SWB 4x4 Tradesman 6.7/68RFE, 285/70r17 Firestone Destination MT2s, BD Throttle Sensitivity Booster, Stealth Module, Westin Max winch carrier and bull bar, Feniex Typhoon handheld, Federal Viper lighting.

"
from my '17 manual "In ambient temperatures above 0°F (-18°C), we recommend you use 15W-40 engine oil" ..... quite a bit colder than freezing.

 

[Rebel Horseman]

Anything less than 40° is considered frigid temps here in Louisiana. And if flurries are in the forecast it’s full blown panic mode. But yes my manual also shows 0° as the minimum temp for conventional.


‘15 Ram 2500 CC/SWB 4x4 Tradesman 6.7/68RFE, 285/70r17 Firestone Destination MT2s, BD Throttle Sensitivity Booster, Stealth Module, Westin Max winch carrier and bull bar, Feniex Typhoon handheld, Federal Viper lighting.

 

[Learjet]

Anything less than 40° is considered frigid temps here in Louisiana. And if flurries are in the forecast it’s full blown panic mode. But yes my manual also shows 0° as the minimum temp for conventional.


‘15 Ram 2500 CC/SWB 4x4 Tradesman 6.7/68RFE, 285/70r17 Firestone Destination MT2s, BD Throttle Sensitivity Booster, Stealth Module, Westin Max winch carrier and bull bar, Feniex Typhoon handheld, Federal Viper lighting.

LOL...I'm in the BTR area...did have a few inches several days ago...LOL

 

[Killer223]

i might have been looking at an older bottle then. my mistake.

 

[Rebel Horseman]

LOL...I'm in the BTR area...did have a few inches several days ago...LOL

Yep I’m over in Springfield. I feel ya.


‘15 Ram 2500 CC/SWB 4x4 Tradesman 6.7/68RFE, 285/70r17 Firestone Destination MT2s, BD Throttle Sensitivity Booster, Stealth Module, Westin Max winch carrier and bull bar, Feniex Typhoon handheld, Federal Viper lighting.

 

[tractorhauler]

My mind is made up. I'll continue to run Shell Rotella 15w40 conventional oil. Tractor Supply Company clearenced out all their Fram filters and I have stopped at 10 different stores from Texas to northern Michigan grabbing all the 3976's each store had. I picked them up for $.79 each. I have 3 more stores to check close to home and right now I have enough filters for oil changes to 130,000 miles.
Thanks for your answers, Mark

 

[kthaxton]

I run Synthetic Rotella 5w40 year round. It is important to understand that the "40" means the oil will not get any thinner than a "40" at operating temps....regardless of the smaller, "cold" viscosity number. 15w40 is no thicker at operating temps than 5w40.

Also..... the manual has a chart that shows you can use either oil in warmer temps, but you must use synthetic 5w40 in lower temps. IMO, if you live in a cold climate part of the year.....why not use an oil that has you covered no matter what?

 

[kthaxton]

....and, don't use Fram filters!

 

[Killer223]

fram got a bad rap years ago for coming apart under the pressures these engines create and clogged the piston coolant jets, but that's been several years sense records of that happening.
no i wouldn't use one, but i'd think it'll be ok.
OP, it'll be ok.

 

[Learjet]

My mind is made up. I'll continue to run Shell Rotella 15w40 conventional oil. Tractor Supply Company clearenced out all their Fram filters and I have stopped at 10 different stores from Texas to northern Michigan grabbing all the 3976's each store had. I picked them up for $.79 each. I have 3 more stores to check close to home and right now I have enough filters for oil changes to 130,000 miles.
Thanks for your answers, Mark

IF you google the info there is a shelf life on filters.