Really expensive oil !!!

Girlfriend III

Girlfriend III

New Member
Mar 15, 2008
106
Skipjack Cove, MD.
Boat Info
1996 Sea Ray 42 Aft Cabin
Engines
Diesel 3116 Caterpillar
I have twin 3116 Cats that require special application oil. This oil was $14 a gallon last year, this year it skyrocketed to $31 a gallon. I take 14 gallons so you can imagine my shock @$434 for oil.
Is Cat pulling my leg that I have to use this oil or could I use a premium diesel oil like shell's Rotella?

Frank, any suggestions? Thanks !
 
My prediction is that Frank will say only use their oil. That said you may want to find a new source for the oil.

Now we wait...:huh:
 
I would compare the specs to Mobil Delvac, Shell Rotella T and Chevron's Delo 400.
I recall when working at Ballard Oil many of the fishing boats used those 3. I don't know enough about the CAT's specific characteristics, but it may be worth looking into. The 3 I mentioned were high quality oils for diesel engines.
 
Cat has specific oil for the 3116-3126 engines. I am fortunate (I guess) to have been paying around $12.50/gallon for the last several years. I think Frank W. uses Rotella, which I use in the generator. Seems like the Cat SAEO (Special Application Engine Oil) has a few additives unique for the engines referenced.
http://www.cat.com/cda/files/11671/7/pehp9516.pdf
 
The local place I used to buy my oil (Valvoline Premium Blue) is now charging $49.95 per gallon... Let's see... 18 x 50 = $900 for oil...
 
I just did a quick search on the Internet for Shell Rotella T and found gallon containers for around $15.00. Maybe this is an old listing but it looks like something to be explored by you diesel guys needing special type oil..
 
wish2fish said:
Oil last year..................................................$ 14
Oil this year..................................................$ 31
Someone on CSR admitting they were wrong.......Priceless
Click to expand...

After you hear it so often about yourself from other members...it is becomes easy to admit yourself. :thumbsup:
 
On this topic but not diesel related, what is everyone using in older gasoline engines like mine? I've been using Delo 400 15W 40.
 
Why not pull oil samples on a regular basis. You might not need to change it as regular as you think. you may save you'r self a lot of money by detceting other problems on you'r engins as well. thats what we do on our equiptment, the oil that we all use will last a lot longer than you think. Nicky
 
nickysc said:
Why not pull oil samples on a regular basis. You might not need to change it as regular as you think. you may save you'r self a lot of money by detceting other problems on you'r engins as well. thats what we do on our equiptment, the oil that we all use will last a lot longer than you think. Nicky
Click to expand...

I'm not putting my engines away for the winter with dirty oil in them and I don't know many people that would. The OP is in my area so he will be winterizing.
 
The local distributor we buy oil from at the truck dealership I work at told the parts manager that since gasoline prices have fallen so much that the oil companies have jacked the price of oil so they can continue to make a large profit on something and make up for the loss in gas price.
 
I have been paying $62-65. per 5 gal can of Valvoline for three years at NAPA. The Cummins wants Valvoline and I run Regular Rotella or Rotella-T in both the tranny's and the genset.

Full oil change and filters takes 15 Gals of oil @ $180. bucks and filters at another $100 and a oil pump impellaer for $20. all for for a three hundred dollar afternoon in the ER.
 
BRBSTA, Where do you find Val. Premium Blue in 5 gal pails? I buy mine in gallon jugs (big pain) at Murrays "Discount" Auto for about 12.99/gal. I would prefer 5 gallon pails and have been told they cannot get them for me. Where are you buying it-Please-
 
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