Originally Posted By: 1040 WreckerMan
Originally Posted By: D-Roc
To the original poster, as far as a choice between all three of these, if you are unsure, just close your eyes and point...they are all good.
My question is actually regarding 1040Wreckerman's comment about how each oil is different. I know they are all different, but I'm just curious as to how each would perform best in what situation/usage/conditions? What would you use each for?
Well each oil has a bit different base stock and additive package. While they are all good oils they are not the same. I have found is that Delo and Delvac tends to hold up better in HEUI engines than Rotella or Tection (some examples of HEUI engines would be the 7.3/6.0 PowerStroke 3126 CAT,etc.). With 07+ active after-treatment engines that tend to run very high oil temps and significantly increase soot loads Delvac and Delo again out perform the other two choices.
I actually bought a BUNCH of CI-4 Tection on sale and ran it in several of my older big block gas trucks. Since the engines don't place any more heat load on the oil than it would in a diesel the lower quality base oil really isn't a problem. The oil also has plenty of AW/EP additives that an industrial gas engine needs (particularly when the basic technology is 30+ years old). Price on this oil is good and it's a terrific oil for this application. Also worked well in many of our small diesel tractors for similar reasons.
Now, for a 12v 6b or 6c or an L10 the Rotella would probably perform just as well as Tection or Delo since the application is less demanding. An L10 is pretty easy on the oil from a temperature, shear and soot standpoint so any "good" quality oil wil work fine in it.
This is assuming that the engines are in good working order.
Just like a PM program, looking at your particular needs and picking a lube that is best suited to that application makes all the difference in the world IMO.
Interesting points...I worked at a CAT dealer and one of the problems they always had was the HEUI equipped engines. Funny thing was no one really took the time to consider all the angles as to why they had issues with them...
Good to hear some real world results, helps others out when making informed choices.