It's relatively unanimous that Shell Rotella T is the go-to oil for our rovers as per advice from Turner, due to its high levels of ZDDP. Most oils on the market don't have the needed ZDDP content that our flat-tappet design engines need.

It looks like Rotella T is now a legacy product, and T4 Triple Protection has taken its place this fall.

Can't hurt to do an oil change.

I plan on running this stuff after my rebuild is complete. For the break-in period I'm going to use Comp Cams break-in oil.

New Shell Rotella Engine Oils Offer Improved Technology for Hard Working Vehicles | Shell ROTELLA®

Shell ROTELLA® T4 Triple Protection | Shell ROTELLA®

 

I called Shell Technical and asked about the ZDDP content. He says its slightly higher than the replaced Rotella T. Good!

 

amazon.com has the T6 in gallons for about 22/each on subscribe and save. I run it in everything from my Ducati S4 to the rover to the engine in my welder. Everything loves that stuff.

 

I've thought about running synthetic. Now would be the right time since I'm doing a full rebuild... but I don't know, I'm leaning towards conventional oil. Any reason you're using synthetic over conventional?

 

nothing scientific, I just have a large fleet, and like to run the same in everything. I also feel like synthetics handle the heat better, and I live in Scottsdale AZ so I need it.

 

Thanks for posting the info, Jake.

I switched most of our vehicles to the synthetic Rotella last oil change, from Dino Rotella. It is crazy expensive here even with a commercial account (28 something plus tax per gallon) but the oil holds up longer, increasing the change interval on some vehicles to 7500 miles from 5000. Our Excursion (diesel one) takes 15 quarts per change. Yeah, that 111 dollars for oil alone before three filters) one oil and two fuel). But I think it is worth it.

I have rover engines that were run on Pennzoil since new and ones switched from Pennzoil to Rotella. After a few years the ones switched to Rotella look new inside. The Pennzoil ones look like garbage dumps. But I keep Dino Rotella in the rover engines because I am afraid the seals will leak (worse) if I switch.

 

Thanks... I'm going to give this new rotella dino oil a go. I don't know why a new oil excites me so much... I guess you never really hear of new oils being released that often - haha.

Since it has so much ZDDP, can/should it be used for the break-in period too? A case of the Comp Cams 10w30 break in oil is like $70 bucks.

 

I just saw this at Wal-mart a few weeks ago. New label and name, same low price.

I've got it in my engine now, seems just fine.

 

Jeff, I was excited too, and amply rewarded when the higher viscosity Rotella made my engine purr.

I wouldn't use it for break in. The break in oils probably have (or should have) a zinc additive. I rebuilt a rover engine and was told by the shop to definitely not use an oil with detergents during break in.

 

Just picked up 2, one gallon jugs at Home Depot. $13.97 per gallon. 2.5 gallon jugs are $32.97