Just put Shell Rotella 5w-40 to the test (actual oil analysis)

Rotella is excellent oil, been using it for years. Didn't need an analysis to determine that either.

 

So...what brand tires should I buy? :tongue:

 

Thanks for this! I'm currently running the same Rotella/Wal-Mart filter combination with no complaints. Good info!

 

Because really, only the last number matters at operating temperature; 5w-40 and 10w/40 are the exact same thing once the bike is warmed up. However, when the bike is DEAD COLD, 5w is actually better because it circulates around the engine easier than 10w. I live in san diego and it still doesn't get that cold, but since I do a cold start 5+ times a day, a rating for far below any temperature I'll ever see helps slightly. But of course, this is just my understanding, I could be completely wrong.

 

add slick 50 !!

 

Thank you very much for the report. I've been using the same oil in my street VFR and now my SV track bike. Always good to some solid data in either direction.

 

Ok well the guy said that it did not look too bad to him based on the usage. However the idea that test are bais towards Chevron is incorrect. The bench test used are industry stand test such as the ball wear test where the Rotella failed miserably compared to the Delo as stated. I can scan the pics when I get back for those that are interested in the results of the standard test. While I am not a diehard Chevron fanatic, I want to use the best for the cost as anyone.

Fizz you are correct to a point on using a different viscosity based on temperature. How ever because of different VI, viscosity index,additives that are used to obtain the index rated the oil performs different at different temperatures. So at operating temps of 195 degrees the 5w10 oil may have a VI rating of 20 cst centistokes while the 10w40 while have a slightly better at 30 cst.

I think the 32 dollars is a bit on the high side and see if I can find a better cost alternative for mine and anyones future interest. I have heard of Blackstone and think they are good but id rather find a less expensive place. We got a tour of Chevrons lab and plant today. Very interesting and alot of the things I saw was supprised about. Old style beakers and a centifuse that looked from the 50's. Shows the quality of what we use to build and how well it last.

As stated Ill post up the results of mine when I reach 3k mile mark or so.

Thanks for the post again! Brian

 

It's 22 dollars for just the oil test, I opted for the TBN test because I was curious if the bike was eating up all the additive package. Oh and they'll mail you a free sample kit which gets there in about a week.

If you'll post up a copy of the test results, I'm sure if we sent them to Shell that they'd have their own test results of them outperforming Delo on the same or similar test. Every oil company is biased and purports their oil to outperform all others. Who knows.

 

I don't doubt it happens in the sales advertisements for their products, but I'd like to think they wouldn't(and shouldn't) be fudging the standardized tests. I use to work for the largest automotive engine oil pump company and you'd be surprised how well engine's run if you just follow the manufacturers specifications. As far as the wear tests go and what not, you're talking about things that would only potentially be problems at the end of a vehicles lifetime or in extreme duty situations.

Spend your money on fancy synthetics or live frugally on dino oils. Only difference is going to be the money you spend. How frequently you change the oil AND filter, your driving habits, and driving conditions will be the most prominent factors in the engine life of a bike.:ncb:

 

Can I get an AMEN brutha?:thumbsup: Probably the best post in this thread yet.:thumbsup:

 

One thing I got to add about this is I've used regular MC oil and synthetic oil. According to the Honda manual the oil and filter should be changed every 8K miles but when I was on regular MC oil the shifting would get stiffer after about 5K miles. I would keep having troubles shifting from 1st to 2nd. When it came to the 8K mile intervals that oil is blacker than a NAACP convention.

But when I tried synthetic oils even after 7K miles the shifting is still smooth and at the 8K oil change interval it's not completely black. Pretty good considering I do ride it hard. IMO it's worth the extra cost of synthetics in that I don't have to change the oil as often. I don't like having to take all that plastic off, I'd rather be on the road.

 

Thanks for useful info backed by good solid evidence

I think you did all of us a favor. Let's hope Shell keeps the "recipe" intact !!!

 

My last gallon of rotella was 11 dollars. That's actually cheaper per quart than some dino.

Sythetics are supposed to be more shear stable and since the molecules are more uniform, helps the oil disperse heat as well, especially in bikes that have oil coolers. Since rotella is also meant to be used in diesel trucks, it contains a lot more additive package and that's VERY apparent rotella, I abused the hell out of that oil and still had more than half the additive package left.

I'll be sticking with my 15 dollar oil changes (with filter) for running a synthetic. There's really no downside to running synthetic when the price is right. FTR, since the oil filter is so cheap, I just change it with every oil change.

 

Delo LE 15w40, which I use in my truck, is loaded with Moly (230PPM). This is why it does well on a static wear test. I believe the ball wear test not really relevant test for how a oil protects a engine. It really only shows the content of moly. Moly is not good a wet clutch! While I love it in my truck, I'd never put it in my VFR.

 

hey was looking to get some rotella T, what stuff are you using all i could find is 15w40, is that ok? and is it the diesel oil? synthetic? which stuff? thanks

 

The 15/40 isn't synthetic. But unless it's really cold where you are should be fine.

 

ok, but it is the oil that says for diesels on it,? and something about 3.....good things (lol).

 

Rotella is intended and marketed for diesel trucks and cars. However, a lot of powersports users put Rotella in their machines.

 

ok just making sure, cause that sounds crazy so rotella t synthetic 5w40 if i can find it thanks

 

No chance. Read below for the best post.

I read the Blackstone Lab FAQ page. It's pretty funny. I think I will send them a sample after I get 3000miles on this oil. I just changed it on saturday so it only has about 250 miles on it.

I switched to synthetic during this last oil change.

Why?

I only change my oil once a year regardless of mileage. I would like an actual laboratory to let me know if this is a good practice. I suspect that my motor will be just fine.

I will say this. There is a very, very noticeable reduction in motor noise & the trans shift was very noticeably improved/smoother.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2: