Synthetic Shell Rotella...

[Taz]

I seen this stuff in the store today. Has anyone used it yet?



I'm wondering what the price difference is between this syn oil and say Redline's diesel oil, or Amsoil.



I want to run synthetic in my truck, cause I know first hand the advantages of it, I run Mobil 1 Syn in my Vette.

 

[Doc Tinker]

I used the RotellaSB (synthetic blend) that you're talking about for one go-round. I switched to Delo 400 though, because it is easier to get in my neighborhood.



I had to buy the RotellaSB stuff at the distributor because no stores around here sell it.



I think it's good stuff, if you want a step up from the basic mineral oil. If you want a full synthetic oil though, you will have to use Amsoil or LE. The Rotella is blended with mineral oil and the Delo is a mineral oil that is formulated to ape the synthetics.



Doc

 

[Taz]

Yeah I figured it was carbon based, cause it's only about $4. 50 a quart.



I think I sway more toward Redline than Amsoil cause I know the products more I guess.

 

[Cooker]

Doc,

I think he is referring to the new Rotella T synthetic 5w40. Is this correct Taz?



The Rotella T 5w40 is a full synthetic, sort of. It is different that Rotella's previos offerings of the synthetic blends. It is a Group III synthetic oil.



Here is a quote from a post of Lee Weber's, he does an excellent job explaining Group III synthetics:



"It is made by severely hydrocraking conventional oil in order to convert impurities into paraffins. It is not a true synthetic like Amsoil or Delvac which contain Group IV and V base stocks that are made from scratch from smaller molecules. Group III oils are turning out to be cost effective competitors for the true synthetics. Because they are not quite as "pure" as true synthetics, they have certain advantages with respect to being able to hold additives in solution. However, they tend to have poorer pour characteristics at low temperatures and are not quit as heat stable as true synthetics. But they are far superior to conventional oils in these respects.



The choice is yours. If you want to use a true full synthetic, the Rotella 5w40 is obviously not for your.



-Ryan

 

[D White]

I've been using Mobile, Delvac 1 in both of my D/C's. It's 5W40 and a true synthetic. $20. 00 a gallon around here.