Shell Rotella T4 15W-40 — Scarce

Blueone

Blueone

Well-Known Member
SILVER Sponsor
Jan 24, 2007
13,790
Lake Erie, Ohio
Boat Info
2004 420 Sundancer
Engines
Cummins 6CTA 450's
I tried to buy two 5 gallon buckets today. I usually go to Tractor Supply and they had none. So went on the internet. No availability at TS. Autozone you can have it delivered to the store near you. No availability. I tried quite a few other places with same result. I went on eBay and bought two delivered to the house for $90 each out of Idaho…. Won’t get them until Oct 5th. Last year delivered was $60 plus tax each.
A few boats on my dock were having their oil changed by a service and I noticed they were using no name brands.
Just a heads up if you are loyal to a certain brand
 
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Great post.

My wife does international logistics. I bought my winterizing / oil change materials a few months ago.... for the boat, cars, e.t.c.

For this year and next...
 
firecadet613 said:
Great post.

My wife does international logistics. I bought my winterizing / oil change materials a few months ago.... for the boat, cars, e.t.c.

For this year and next...
Click to expand...
Yep, bought 2 years worth of winterizing supplies in the spring.
 
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Walmart near me has gallons in stock. Not any less expensive though.


Well maybe a little.
 
blaster said:
View attachment 112497 Walmart near me has gallons in stock. Not any less expensive though.


Well maybe a little.
Click to expand...

Their inventory system is crap this year. Went looking for a small battery for my outboard. Store the next town over said 8 in stock, none to be found. Called the next store that showed in stock, they couldn't find any.

Went to my local store that showed out of stock - they had plenty.
 
firecadet613 said:
Their inventory system is crap this year. Went looking for a small battery for my outboard. Store the next town over said 8 in stock, none to be found. Called the next store that showed in stock, they couldn't find any.

Went to my local store that showed out of stock - they had plenty.
Click to expand...
This is good to know. At this time, I’m sure my local Walmart has at least 6 gallon jugs in stock but I did not see anything oil wise in five gallon containers.

I have had other issues too. Amazon prime had an item I needed, which I could have ordered from at least three other vendors. I ordered it based on the shipping date and was screwed a week later, when the order was canceled. Then I had to start over, and order from a reputable vendor.

Lesson learned.
 
I picked up two gallons of T6 last night at Wally World. You're right though, we're looking at a lot of empty shelves these days.
 
Just curious. Based on recommendation years ago on this site I always used Shell Rotella on all my oil changes but am curious why a synthetic isn't recommended?
 
Nothing wrong with using a synthetic, but generally they are not widely available in the correct viscosity for a boat, and their extended drain capability doesn’t apply to boat usage, so you are missing some of the bang for the increased price.
 
paulswagelock said:
Nothing wrong with using a synthetic, but generally they are not widely available in the correct viscosity for a boat, and their extended drain capability doesn’t apply to boat usage, so you are missing some of the bang for the increased price.
Click to expand...

Got it.

My 420 had 8.1 Mercruisers and now my 4winns has an 8.1 VP. Do you think the same oil would work well for the small boat as well. I ask because I have a couple of gallons of Rotella left over from the SR sale.
 
paulswagelock said:
Nothing wrong with using a synthetic, but generally they are not widely available in the correct viscosity for a boat, and their extended drain capability doesn’t apply to boat usage, so you are missing some of the bang for the increased price.
Click to expand...
Availability of synthetics in the right viscosity might be an issue for gas engines, but I don't really know. For diesel engines synthetics in the right viscosity (5W-40, 15W-40, 30 and 40) are readily available through a number of outlets. I don't see any availability issues for those blends and straights here on Long Island.
 
copb8tx said:
Got it.

My 420 had 8.1 Mercruisers and now my 4winns has an 8.1 VP. Do you think the same oil would work well for the small boat as well. I ask because I have a couple of gallons of Rotella left over from the SR sale.
Click to expand...

I use T6 15W40 full synthetic in my twin 5.7 VPs and have for years in other VPs. Runs well and the analysis always comes back perfect.
 
Since there seem to be availability issues with some oils, I’m wondering if anyone has thought again about the Costco Kirkland oil.

I looked online last night and it seems to meet all the same specs and engine manufacturer requirements as other oils. I’ve been using Shell, but wonder if this might be a good alternative?

upload_2021-9-21_8-57-18.jpeg
 
Just went to WalMart and there wasn't any Shell Rotella T-4 15W40 in stock. Went next door to Tractor Supply and bought the last 6 2.5 gallon containers. Interestingly enough, it was $5.00 off! Paid $29.99/2.5 Gallons. Girl at check out said that whenever they get a delivery of that oil, it flies off of the shelves.

Jaybeaux
 
b_arrington said:
Since there seem to be availability issues with some oils, I’m wondering if anyone has thought again about the Costco Kirkland oil.

I looked online last night and it seems to meet all the same specs and engine manufacturer requirements as other oils. I’ve been using Shell, but wonder if this might be a good alternative?

View attachment 112507
Click to expand...
I asked that question last year (for fun) and was immediately banished to the woodshed! I even called Cummins to check the specs.
 
I found some at west marine Jefferson Beach…$139.99.. :eek:. Like I said $60 delivered last year. I was going to price match with Amazon. Amazon was $90 w/free delivery…. But already paid that. I just wanted to change oil this weekend.
56F69898-D47B-40CB-BC1F-29CBF9604CE7.jpeg
 
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