Rotella and Rimula - same stuff, different names?

[KiwiLube]

For some time I have been aware of the benefits of running a diesel engine oil like Shell Rotella T in bike engines. So decided to make the move. Went to a Shell lubricants distributor here in New Zealand to discover that the only Rotella product available in NZ is 30 and 40 monograde for 2 stroke Detroit Diesels. Shell's heavy duty diesel oil range in NZ is called Rimula. On paper the specs of various Rimula types seems the same as the specs of various Rotella types. Also, we have the same types of diesel engines here as in the US (Cummins, Cat, Detroit, Mack etc). And why would Shell have two different products for the same application? So I am wondering if Rimula is simply a different product name for Rotella in this part of the world and that the oil is the same stuff.

The only difference I can find is that I understand that Rotella T is JASO certified and I can find no mention of that in any of the Rimula specs.

Does anyone know the answer to this for sure (because the Shell distributor didn't!)

Failing that, I have read that Chevron Delo 400 is just as good as Rotella. Delo 400 is freely available here as a Caltex product (Caltex being Chevron's brand in Australia/NZ). For example, Caltex/Chevron Delo 400 Multigrade 15W-40 CI-4 Plus/SL sounds about right for motorcycle application. Any advice would be appreciated.

But, a couple of other questions. Firstly, the owners manual for my Yamaha XT600E specifically states "API SE, SF, SG or higher. DO NOT use CD or higher". I understand that CD is now obsolete but it seems odd that Yamaha specifically mention not to use CD or higher oils in the XT600E. Can anyone cast any light on this?

Lastly, for some years I ran a Mobil oil for diesel car/light commercial engines in my petrol-engined car. It had the correct viscosity and API petrol-engine rating. When I mentioned this to a tech expert at the NZ Automobile Association he went ballistic and said that you should never run diesel oils in a petrol engine. His reasoning was that the detergent package in diesel oils is so strong that it can loosen sludge in a petrol engine and cause it to block oilways etc. I never had any issue and I am just assuming that he is not quite the expert he thinks he is. Any comments?

I can't believe how economical it is to buy diesel oils in bulk 10 or 20 litre packs compared to "specialist bike oils" or even passenger car oils so really want to find a product I can buy in bulk and use in both my car and bike. Rotella seemed to be that product but is it the same as Rimula? If not, maybe Delo 400 is the go?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[Gene K]

Rimula and Pennzoil were merged a while back in the USA into Shell Rotella T3. This oil uses a different add package from Shell Rotella Triple Protection. However the Rimula available in Australia may be totally different from the USA Oils as I believe it to be the Premium Product their instead of the second level product it was here.

If they are worried about the higher ash levels in some diesel oils (which is usually the reason it was recommended against by some, not a worry about removal of deposits) then a CJ4 rated oil (If available) would have lower ash levels than the previous CI4+.

Ive used Shell Rotella T, Chevron Delo 400 and Mobil 1300 Super all without issue in wet clutch motorcycles as well as gasoline engined cars.

 

[Silk]

They aren't exactly the same oils,but not enough to worry about. Any HDEO will work well in the XT600 - I had good results with Gulf Western Top Dog,I used to get it in 20 litres from Autostop.

 

[Propflux01]

Does your 600 have a cat coverter by chance? That is the only reason I would think that it says no "C" oils...

 

[KiwiLube]

That's a good point about a catalytic convertor but I don't believe my XT600E (2003 4PT model) has one. I will double check but if anyone knows for certain I'd appreciate hearing about it.

 

[Silk]

A cat converter in NZ? They only became mandatory last year,and that's only if they were fitted new. I doubt it an XT600 ever had a converter .

 

[Rollins]

Rotella and Rimula are different lubricants,although bearing similar(or often exact) specs and approvals. Browsing the EPC Shell site under NZ market,it turned out that Shell Europe and Shell Pacific markets share to a great extent the same products(same situation with Exxon-Mobil products-minor differencies thru the Eurasian-Pacific market range).

 

[Qwiky]

It seems hard to believe that Shell would bother making two different base oil and additive packs for oils with the same ratings and for the same application and model vehicles.

 

[car54]

I would guess Rimula would work great. They sell it here as well, but Ive never used it. we get the rotella in 55 gallon drums at work, and I just borrow a little bit every now and then.