VOA for Rotella T6 5w-40, which we have used in our French spec 1985 Rover diesel. No red flags here, not that I expected any, but I will probably go back to M1 TDT.
Shell Rotella T6 5w-40
- Thread starter wings&wheels
- Start date
I've been running it for about 20 years. It stinks a bit, but otherwise no complaints.
I've heard it called Ro-smella even.
I've heard it called Ro-smella even.
Thanks for testing it. Would you want me to add it to the list I keep of diesel oil VOA? I always liked the T6 40 grades.
Please do. Cheers.
Done! Thanks
The 15w40 T6 is currently $110/pail at AAP if you want to stick with Rotella.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2024
- Messages
- 63
Zero moly almost , zinc is lower than it used to be along with Phosphorus. This oil has been down graded over the years. Super tech VOA 15w40 FS diesel oil is superior to this. I have a VOA and UOA to show this on 5k intervals.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
- Messages
- 395
You can’t judge oils based on elemental analysis.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2024
- Messages
- 63
I know all about this oil. Shell has reduced their additives in it over the years. I see guys run it but I find it no better than Castrol or some other junk. Mobil delvac 5w40 is better than this oil and uses more of a PAO. That oil I've seen lots of guys having bearing failures in my BMW diesel groups.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
- Messages
- 395
A reduction in additives does not mean a decrease in protection. Similarly, an increase in PAO does not mean more protection.
There are very very few “junk” oils these days. Every main brand oil producer manufactures a quality product that will provide adequate results, given a proper OCI and certifications applicable to the application.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2024
- Messages
- 63
Okay but there is better oils that are cheaper. I have TBN to show it and how the oils shear down as well. You do you. That oil isn't all that. It's a mid range oil.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
- Messages
- 395
A higher TBN does not mean an oil is better than another. TBN is not linear and relies on many many many factors, in which I am not an expert within the field. TBN retention is also non-linear.
Some oils are more prone to shearing than others. Again, there’s a lot of factors at play. However, I would once again like to reiterate
That’s all I have to say. This was a VOA post, not a bash an oil post.
Scott, I would love to see your UOA of the Super Tech 15w-40 Full Synthetic diesel oil! Considering that oil for yard equipment...25hp diesel tractor, John Deere Gator, and ExMark Zero Turn mower with a 25HP Kubota engine. I'm especially interested in the cold weather performance as 2/3 of my equipment recommends 10W-30 oil at low low temps. But I'd like to find 1 oil to use in all 3. Was thinking the T6 5W-40 might be the answer so I was disappointed to see the zinc levels are now lower.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2022
- Messages
- 395
If you need high zinc, M1 Delvac ESP 5w40 and Delvac Extreme 15w40 both have >1200 ppm Zinc.
Similar threads
