Shell Rotella Oil

[Juggernaut]

Does anyone have any info on Shell Rotella engine oil?

I've been told a lot of people are switching over to this oil but nobody could really tell me why.

Anybody on the forum use it?

I don't want to use it until I know more about it.

Thanks,
Randy

[jmarsey]

Hi Randy,

There are many lively threads here on CC discussing the topic of which motor oil and why. Try doing a search for starters.

[fsstnotch]

All your answers are in this thread
Flat tappet cam life

[FFRBob]

Shell Rotella has a very high zinc content; even with the new formula, it's still quite high compared to other oils. For those with flat-tappet lifters, hydraulic or solid, the zinc is extremely important otherwise the tappets will wipe the lobes flat.

If you have roller lifters, then use your favorite oil.

I think that sums up the discussions

[fsstnotch]

Pretty much Bob! haha

You can also use an additive like STP to bring the zinc (ZDDP) up to par for your flat tappet cam. I read all 9 pages of the thread a couple weeks ago. Pretty good info to know!

[DavidinDurango]

Yep, I use Rotella 15-40 for all myflat tappet motors.

Actually, I believe it gives better hot oil pressure than 20-50.

edit for suck typing.

[Power Surge]

I used to use Castrol GTX for the same reasons most people use the Rotella T. I then switched to the Rotella T. There is a noticable difference with this oil. It maintains low rpm oil pressure better than the GTX and doesn't seem to contaminate as fast.

[mpanten]

Originally Posted by Power Surge

I used to use Castrol GTX for the same reasons most people use the Rotella T. I then switched to the Rotella T. There is a noticable difference with this oil. It maintains low rpm oil pressure better than the GTX and doesn't seem to contaminate as fast.

Were you using the GTX 15-40 diesel or just the conventional?

[Power Surge]

Originally Posted by mpanten

Were you using the GTX 15-40 diesel or just the conventional?

I was using 10w-40 conventional.

[mpanten]

Gotcha, im using the castrol 15/40 diesel, if you saw that much better results I would think about switching.

[Juggernaut]

Thanks guys for all the input. I knew you guys could help!

See ya,
Randy

[kayakjack]

I have a 385hp 351w crate motor. Would this typically have flat tappets or roller lifters?

Thanks,

Jack

[zrayr]

Originally Posted by FFRBob

Shell Rotella has a very high zinc content; even with the new formula, it's still quite high compared to other oils. For those with flat-tappet lifters, hydraulic or solid, the zinc is extremely important otherwise the tappets will wipe the lobes flat.

If you have roller lifters, then use your favorite oil.

I think that sums up the discussions

Actually, Mobil 1 15W-50 has more zinc & phosphorus that the current formulation of Shell Rotella. If you don't want to use a synthetic oil, the best way to go is to add some Comp Cams (or Crane) break-in oil with every oil change.

BTW, I've personally used Mobil 1 15W-50 in both small block & FE Ford engines with zero leaks, wear, or problems of any kind for over 25,000 (hard) miles. Don't fall all the urban myths surrounding synthetic oils. Actual scientific studies on this subject are nonexistent.

Z. Ray

[Burnd]

Then this oil you might want to consider.

http://www.bradpennracing.com

We run this stuff in our street and race cars. Refined from PA crude and specifically for performance engines. I ran Castrol; it broke down fast. I ran Kendell; it broke down. This is the original "green" oil and it does not break down and formulated with a high zinc content. It's good stuff but there aren't a lot of distributors. $48. a case.

Bernie

[clayfoushee]

Originally Posted by zrayr

Actually, Mobil 1 15W-50 has more zinc & phosphorus that the current formulation of Shell Rotella. If you don't want to use a synthetic oil, the best way to go is to add some Comp Cams (or Crane) break-in oil with every oil change.

BTW, I've personally used Mobil 1 15W-50 in both small block & FE Ford engines with zero leaks, wear, or problems of any kind for over 25,000 (hard) miles. Don't fall all the urban myths surrounding synthetic oils. Actual scientific studies on this subject are nonexistent.

Z. Ray

It is a fact that synthetic oils have superior qualities over conventional oil. It is not an "urban myth" that they are more slippery. If there is an area of a particular engine that is prone to leaking, synthetic oil will find it more easily.

It is not an urban myth that FE's are more prone to leaks because of the block and head design. I'm glad you had one that didn't leak with synthetic oil.

[Tom Kirkham]

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

[Wayne Maybury]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

Tom, I'm not sure that I understand your post. My engine doesn't leak (I have a Windsor not an FE )or burn oil. I doubt that I will ever take a 3000+ mile trip so why would I worry about buying oil?

By the way, I switched to Rotella T 2 years ago because of the ZDDP issue.

Wayne

[rdorman]

Originally Posted by Tom Kirkham

Something to consider: When on a trip how hard is it going to be to buy the oil you have in your engine?

That was one of the reasons I went with Rotello.

[Bobcat]

Guys .... I`m a "newby" to the Cobras , but hope to have my ERA in several months . My current ride is a fully restored `63 1/2 Galaxie , 427 Q code . Having raced dirt cars for years ( Fords ) and played with cams in my Galaxie , I settled on the Shell Rotella oil . It is originally for Diesels and as such has a very low ash content and also all the other good stuff ... or at least it did . I have talked with several cam manufacturers and they tell me that because modern cars are now using roller cams and because of environmental issues , a lot of the good oil additives are being reduced or dropped . Schneider Cams , for one , won`t warranty a flat tappet cam unless an approved additive is used , and I have had similar comments from other cam manufacturers . I still use the Shell as it is a very good oil ... just put in the additive package .
Sorry for the lengthy reply .

[Bob In Ct]

Take a look at this www.lnengineering.com/oil.html

Bob