I was at Walmart today and they were out of Rotella 10w30 (I always use it). But I did notice they had another brand called "Accel." It's 10w40 and says it's only for engines built before 1988 and it's SF rated. Well I got thinking that this should have higher amounts of zinc and this might be great for my Disco. Thought about getting it but wanted to check here and see if anyone has used Accel motor oil or knows anything about it. I could go up to the truck stop and get the Rotella, but I'm curious about this "older" oil.

Eric

 

Big hint, is your vehicle from before 1988? Your manual probably calls for SJ (all newer formats of oil are backwards compatible and supersede older formats). Use Rotella T6 5w40, walmart is changing over to the new rotella T5 10w30 blend so it should be in stock soon. I believe Accel is a non detergent oil and SF is an outdated format and terrible for your engine. Probably would be great to lubricate a chainsaw though.

 

Thanks.... just thought that an older oil with higher amounts of zinc would be good for a flat tappet engine. Guess I'll just stick with Rotella. Now maybe if I buy that Series IIa I saw...

 

Accel is a group 1 oil and is very shear unstable and also will evaporate and leave deposits and sludge easily. All modern conventionals are group II or II+ (or a blend). Synthetics are group III, IV, or V (or a blend). Syn blends are a mix of II/II+ with a small amount of III or IV mixed in.

Rotella is your best bet, the 5w40 is a great oil.

 

Thanks again! Don't know all the technical aspects of oil but knew someone could clear it up. I use Rotella 10w30 in winter and 15w40 in summer. Had a Plymouth Reliant years ago and thats all I used and that car went 270kmi before the frame rusted, then my brother put that motor in his van and drove another 70kmi before it died. Also had a friend with a VW Rabbit that had 434kmi and still going using only Rotella. I'm kinda sold on Rotella but if there's something that's proven better then I'll look into it.

Eric

 

Yes any HDEO ("diesel" oil) whether conventional or synthetic are great choices if you can find it in a suitable weight. We are lucky we can use the 40 wt oils. Chevron Delo is a great oil too and cheaper than Rotella.