Rotella Synthetic Oil Application Question

[CenturyGreg]

My new tractor lists the recommended oil viscosities as Winter:5W30 or 10W30. Summer:10W30, 15W30, or 15W40. Very hot conditions: 15W40 or 20W50. I would like to use Shell Rotella Synthetic 5W40 in the tractor but am not sure if I should since 5W40 is not a listed viscosity. The oil does meet the required API class (CF). Is a broader viscosity range like a 5W40 always better than a narrower one like a 15W40 or do I need to stick with one of the recommended viscosities? Thank You!

 

[gsxr1100]

Well first off the oil you want to use is a group 3 oil (hydrocrack dino). Not a true synthetic oil. Hence the low price of 12.XX at your local walmart.

Next the viscosities that are recommended are for dino temps. You can't make a call on viscosities till you see how shear stable the fluid is, the add pkg, etc. The 15w-40 could be better or not.

If you are worried about the viscosities, look at the temp you are going to run the unit it. Then select an oil accordingly. I run 15w-40 year round in Massachusetts.

You could run any oil you want as long as it meets the proper ASTM, SAE, API spec.

 

[cowboydoc]

IN winter the 5w-30 would be ok if you don't plan on running your tractor hard. I would certainly stick with 15w-40 in anything but winter. The problem is the shear forces of a diesel are very hard on oil. I don't care if it's amsoil, shell, etc. If you are going to be running your diesel hard at all I would stick with 15w-40.

 

[gsxr1100]

Well I do not know if that is true. I know that Amsoil Series 3000 5w-30 has a beefier add package and will be trying this oil compared to their 15w-40 (which I use).

It has been posted that this oil does not shear as much (or stays in their proper grade) unlike some of there other oils. There 15w-40 HDD&M does thin and when looking at other users of there 3000 oil, it does not.

So we will see.

So based on that I would say a 15w-40 would or should have a better add pkg then a 5w-30 (dino world); Also I would not recommend a 15w-40 in the northeast or cold areas.


But in the group 4 and 5 this is not the case. These oils are more shear stable as users tests have shown.

 

[_RaT_]

Why not just go with a synthetic 15W40 year round and call it good. Simplify the whole decision. With the amount of time the typical user here puts on a tractor, it'll last a lifetime with any of the recommended oil's.

 

[CenturyGreg]

I thought the Rotella was a true synthetic since it says "Synthetic" on the jug. What is a hydrocrack dino? If I want a true synthetic oil for my tractor with the information I listed above, what is the best oil for me? I would assume that with Amsoil's reputation, and the fact that they have a 15W40 that I should probably use that year around. I looked at Amsoils web-site and I see that this oil is supposed to be very effective in the cold, would this eliminate the need to go with a lighter weight in the winter here in Pennsylvania? Thanks.

 

[gsxr1100]

I agree with Rat. Use a synthetic, group 4 or 5 and use it all year round. Or use any, ANY group 4 or 5 year round and call it a day.

That it what I do. I am only using a 5w-30 for 1-year to compare it to their 15w-40 synthetic

Shell Rotella T uses Group II and Group II+ base oils. It also has Shell's proprietary XHVI base oil which is waxy fluid. This processs gets a much "purer" oil & higher VI than other hydrocracked(group 3).

So it is not a true synthetic. It is as much a synthetic as Amsoil XL7500 series oils (group 3).

 

[CenturyGreg]

I am becoming more lost by the second!! If I am understanding correctly, the Amsoil would be better than the Rotella T 15W40 or the Rotella Synthetic 5W40. Also, can I use either the Series 3000 5W30 or the 15W40 Diesel & Marine year around and still properly protect my engine here in the northeast? Winter temps. get as cold as -15 to -20 and summer temps. break 100. Also, do you think the 5W30 or the 15W40 would be a better fit? Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

Greg,

Rat had it right. Just go with a good 15w-40 synthetic and you will be fine. Rotella synthetic is just fine. We've run it for thousands of hours on tractors that get beat into the ground and our tractors have lasted thousands of hours. I completely disagree that you should run 5w-40 year round. I know guys that have done that and it has led to alot of problems, especially in 100 degree weather. Don't let people try and confuse you. Rotella has more research than anyone out there on their oils. It's the #1 used OTR oil so that should tell you something.

 

[CenturyGreg]

The synthetic Rotella is a 5W40 though. The regular Rotella T is a 15W40 but is not synthetic. Do you mean that you use the Rotella T 15W40 or the Rotella synthetic 5W40?