Rotella T5 15W-40, still good?

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Don't want to make another big debate "which oil" thread, so I'll try and keep this very much to the point: Since I rebuilt my engine about 5 years ago I've been using Rotella 15W-40 oil due to the higher ZDDP content that it at least used to have.  Since that time the brand has changed a little bit as there are now the T5 and T6 flavors and so on, but I wasn't able to easily find the ZDDP content of either on the basic spec sheets.  I went ahead and put the T5 in last oil change anyway, but now I'm interested in other opinions if this is still a good oil to be running in the rebuilt M10, or if I need to consider something different for any particular reason.  I generally like the Rotella option as it is widely available, a good mid-range, mid-weight that I believe works pretty well year-around for a moderate climate M10, and at least the previous reasonably high ZDDP for good wear protection.  Just want to make sure that in these modern times this is still sound reasoning.  Thanks!

[Vicleonardo1]

Doing a casual search, I find it interesting that it is so difficult to find the ZDDP content in the more recent Rotella products (still haven't found it) 

It seems one of the favorites here is the Valvoline VR1 dino oil product. I think the synthetic version has the same amount of ZDDP as well. 

 

Good luck in your quest, I know what it is like to have a favorite product, ease of access at a reasonable price go by the wayside. If you do find a Rotella spec sheet with the current amount of ZDDP, please let us know.

 

Cheers! 

[02Pilot]

Counldn't find anything official, but there are some recent VOA reports from Blackstone that show zinc in the 1100-1200ppm range for both the 5w40 and 15w40 flavors of Rotella.

[jimk]

I think the oils for heavy duty over the road trucks haven't had their zinc additive changed.  Heavy duty engines have flat tappet cams and need the additive.  EPA rules kicked in with SAE 30 and lighter oils, it's a catalytic converter blinding thing and over time the catalyst becomes ineffective.  Roller cam follower engines don't need the zinc.

[jrhone]

Not to debate your oil choice...I found 15w-40 a little thin.  I like the VR1 20w-50 synthetic...a lot.

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Thank guys! I seem to remember the 'old' Rotella being around 1200ppm ZDDP, so as long as it's still in that neighborhood I'll be happy.  @jrhone I used to run 20-50 before the rebuild, but figured with fresh clearances it was a reasonable compromise to go a little thinner to get the higher zinc content, and so far it certainly doesn't seem to use very much oil so I think I'm ok.  I'd have no problem running VR1 if I just didn't need to order the stuff.  I'm willing to ship Redline oils transmissions and diffs since the interval is longer, but have a hard time swallowing that pill for regular engine oil changes. . . Will keep looking to see if I confirm ZDDP anywhere for the 'new' Rotella!

[jrhone]

Cool.  VR1 still has a higher zinc content.  Its around 1300. 

[joebarthlow]

I have not run Rotella, but searching the web, several indications of reduced zinc in the formula. I recently switched to Delo 400, which apparently still retains much of the good stuff Rotella had. I get less drips and less out the tail pipe on deceleration.

 

but after looking at the links below, looks like Delo400 has last some zinc. 

Edited December 10, 2018 by joebarthlow

[02Pilot]

More empirical evidence than you ever wanted:

 

http://pqiamerica.com/PCMO_Sample_Summary_12_15_2016.html

 

http://pqiamerica.com/HDEO_Sample_Summary_Dec_2016.html

 

[Preyupy]

You can always find an oil that has the viscosity and availability you want and just add ZDDP.  Having too much is not a problem for us and obviously we don't have catalytic converters to clog up. 

[jimk]

Just buy this and stop the guessing or home grown formulating:

 

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2883.pdf

 

or this

 

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2212.pdf

 

I discussed the matter with their Technical Service Dept (who i am privy to talk to) where their lubes are formulated and tested and they also said these diesel oils have plenty of zinc.  Zinc is not a marketing thing with diesel oils

 

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g3467.pdf

 

 

Edited December 10, 2018 by jimk

[Mike A]

3 hours ago, Preyupy said:

You can always find an oil that has the viscosity and availability you want and just add ZDDP.  Having too much is not a problem for us and obviously we don't have catalytic converters to clog up. 

I'd be very careful about adding ZDDP....too much is a problem because over 2000ppm is a wear issue. This may have come up in previous threads but for those seeking definitive info on the state of the art in lubrication you might want to read articles by Charles Navarro of LN Engineering. His company makes the Nickies pistons and cylinders popular with the Porsche crowd , but his backgtound is heavy on lubrication. Some real eye-opening info to be had.

[jireland2002]

If you want some ZDDP use oil that says "RACING" on the label.  These will have some ZDDP.  OR add a quart of "break-in" oil and balance of what ever you like.

[Vicleonardo1]

Posted this before. 

http://www.sccoa.com/forums/showthread.php?136304-What-oil-brands-offer-the-best-protection-***Good-read***

 

Seems the Dino version of Valvoline VR1 has some good properties for us Zinc dependent drivers...

 

Interesting tidbit Sometimes mixing in an additive (even ZDDP)  can reduce the overall effectiveness of the the oil. 

 

Cheers! 

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Aight, well current plan then is to get a Blackstone oil analysis done at the next change to see how the T5 is doing, and if at all sub-par guess I'll plan on switching to ordering VR1 instead.  Will try to remember to report back in 6 months with the report after the next change!