engine oil

[jjssas]

Re: Diesel oil from "Texas Refinery Corp". A friend says it IS, WITHOUT DOUBT, the best. Burns cleaner, stays cleaner much longer and much more cost effective than any other diesel oil. Any one use it? Comments please. I don't know the specific weight etc.

My engines are CAT 3116s, and I have been using Rotella T, 30 weight for several years. I put about 80-100 hours a year on our 2000, 410 Sun Dancer. Never a problem and engines purr right along and don't burn a drop or oil. I am amazed that before every cruise when I check the oil, the dop stick is at or near the full mark.

Thanks

"Court Ship"

 

[mpatton]

I was about to change my oil -- only to find Rotella T has been changed to Rotella T1, and now only has a CF2 rating not the CF4 needed (thanks Frank!). I called Shell and a technician said that it has changed, and the old (blue label bottle) formula is still in the market place, but being phased out.

 

[jjssas]

I have CAT 3116 TA engines, 30 weight only. So, in light of Shell's change from Rotella CF4 to CF2, what IS the recommended CF4, or better, oil, whether from Shell or others, and (which does not contain viscosity improvers?).

CAT publication SEBU 6251-12, January, 2009, pp 16,17, regarding 3116 and 3126 marine engines, SMCS Code 1348;7581, in part, provides: "RECOMMENDATIONS: Catepillar does not recommend the use of multigrade oils in the 3116 and 3126 Marine Diesel Engines that use mechanical unit injectors (MUI). Multigrade oils use high molecular weight polymers as viscosity index improvers...Single grade oil with a viscosity of SAE 30 or 40, with an API CF4 or API CG4 additive package that does not contain viscosity improvers is acceptable oil...API CF4 oils provide more stable oil control and reduced piston deposits in comparison to API CF and the obsolete CE and CD categories of oil. The API CF4 oils provide improved soot dispersancy in comparison to API CF and obsolete CD oils. The API CF4 category was developed with a 0.40% sulfur diesel fuel". Then there is this "NOTICE". "Failure to follow these recommendations can cause shortened engine service life due to deposits and/or excessive wear."

Oil from CAT is VERY PRICEY. I know. Engine problems due to using the wrong oil can be much more costly than oil from CAT. But, is there an appropriate oil other than CAT? Which?

Your thoughts?

COURT SHIP
Baltimore, Maryland