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

Looked at T container, it is JASO MA

 

After reading this thread and the link below I'm going to switch to Rotella T6. If you run long intervals on oil changes take whats left in the bottom of your drain pan out in the sun and see how much metal is in it. A couple Suzuki's I had looked like silver metalflake paint at just 2500 mile intervals. My VFR was very little at 3k oil change.

All About Motor Oil

 

Gents Gents!!!

IMO, Multigrade oils are always better than single grade oils. Synthetics can handle much greater service intervals.

The issue is filtration for the longevity of motors. Just because an oil is now a dark colour does not mean it is no longer effective.

Truck oils are designed for extended drain intervals compared to "regular" oils. Trucks also can have multiple oil filtration systems unlike a bike. I suppose 2 filters would allow one to extend the drain interval of the bike...or better yet get the largest filter that will fit the viffer. I am actually using a car filter 3593 ( i think)

For the money one cannot do much better than Mobil1. And no i do not work for Mobil.

Stop spending your money on Motul, etc...unless it makes you feel better and you like the cool green colour.

Thanks for sharing the results of your test...

 

I currently have 4300 miles on some GN4 with an OEM filter. I'll be sending a sample to Blackstone as soon as the test kit arrives. Stay tuned......

 

Here's my test results. 4441 miles on Honda GN4

 

Thanks for posting the results, CBR.

A few questions on this topic.

1. For those that are running the Rotella, what is the weight you are using? Is it the 15W-40? Or is it relative to where you live. I ride in temps that range from 45F to 95F.

2. If you make a switch from some other oil, is there anything necessary that needs to be done first, such as pouring a pint or so of Rotella through in order to "flush out" the other oil? In other words, do you need to be concerned of mixing Rotella with a convention bike oil?

 

Pliskin:

I switched to the 5w-40 becasue its their synthetic.

I used Amsoil 10w-40 for the past 3-4 years but the cost was killing me, so based upon the opinion of others I did the switch this spring. The only thing I did was take the 97 for a nice ride and get it good and hot. Came back to the garage and drained the oil and popped off the oil filter and let it drain for a couple hours (went and did some other chores). By that time the engine was cool enough to start putting her back together and no more oil was dripping out. Filled it up with the Rotella-T, after safety wiring the plug, oil filter and oil filter cap.

So far I have about 500 street miles and 3 track days (which are about 100 miles each) on the 5w-40 and seems fine. The only thing that seems different is I swear the 97 shifts a bit smoother. But could be my imagination too.

Oh, the 15w-40 works fine; its just Rotellas dino oil. If you are already running dino then use it.

BZ

 

5w-40 T6 Rotella.

No need to flush anything. A while back I got a good deal on a bunch of 10w-40 Amsoil oil for $4 bucks a quart because the Local GI Joes went under. I've been running the Amsoil June-Sept. and the Rotella Oct.-May. I don't flush, but I do pull the plug while it's still hot and let it drain over night. Once the Amsoil runs out, I'll just run the Rotella year round.

 

Thanks Bubba.

What do you mean by safety wiring plug, oil and cap? I'm guessing this is something required for the track?

I've been using BelRay for the last 2 years (8K miles total), and I change it every 2000 miles (why? - because I can!). But it IS starting to add up a bit...

So then
15W40 = Dino
and
5W40 = T6 (full synthetic)

So where does the T5, or synthetic blend, fall into? 10W40?

Thinking of making this change, and just trying to make sure I do the transition properly.

 

Yes, I safety wire for the track. Not required in B group; I just do it out of courtesy.

Is the Belray dino or synthetic?

The only oil weight I know Rotella comes in are the:
15w-40 (dino)
5w-40 (synthetic), and
10w30 (not sure)

So the two choices I know motorcyclists use are the 15w and the 5w. I switched becasue of how many track day riders and novice racers use the Rotella with great results.

If you changing oils that quick (every 2,000 miles) the dino would be the most cost effective for you. If the Belray is synthetic, then go synthetic.

BZ

 

Just looked up the T5; seems it comes in a 10w30 and 10w-40.

Hmmm, I've only seen the 10w-30.

BZ