Rottella 30W Engine Oil vs Rottella 30W Diesel Engine Oil HELP!

[Daniel P Thomas]

I have always used Rottella 30W Engine Oil in my 1992 350 EB with 445 330 HP engines
The label always read:
Rottella SAE 30W Engine Oil
The new Label reads:
Rottella SAE 30W Diesel Engine Oil

The old part number is the same and both Auto Stores that I go to agree that this is basically the same product.
Question is should I use this product?

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks
Dan

 

[paulswagelock]

What are the specs on the oil. Does it say dual rated, SM or SN?

 

[carterchapman]

Hey Dan,

Paul is on track - The latest API rating for gasoline engines is SM (you could use back to SJ), for diesel engines CJ-4. Look for the API SN Rating...

Here's from the API website:

[h=3]Gasoline Engines[/h][FONT=&quot]For automotive gasoline engines, the latest ILSAC standard or API Service Category includes the performance properties of each earlier category and can be used to service older engines where earlier category oils were recommended. (Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on oil performance levels)[/FONT]

[h=4]Category[/h]	[h=4]Status[/h]	[h=4]Service[/h]
SN	Current	Introduced in October 2010, designed to provide improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons, more stringent sludge control, and seal compatibility. API SN with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-5 by combining API SN performance with improved fuel economy, turbocharger protection, emission control system compatibility, and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.
SM	Current	For 2010 and older automotive engines.
SL	Current	For 2004 and older automotive engines.
SJ	Current	For 2001 and older automotive engines.

[h=3]Diesel Engines[/h][FONT=&quot](Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on oil performance levels)[/FONT]

[h=4]Category[/h]	[h=4]Status[/h]	[h=4]Service[/h]
CJ-4	Current	For high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2010 model year on-highway and Tier 4 nonroad exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust aftertreatment system durability and/or drain interval. CJ-4 oils are especially effective at sustaining emission control system durability where particulate filters and other advanced aftertreatment systems are used. Optimum protection is provided for control of catalyst poisoning, particulate filter blocking, engine wear, piston deposits, low- and high-temperature stability, soot handling properties, oxidative thickening, foaming, and viscosity loss due to shear. API CJ-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. When using CJ-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval.
CI-4	Current	Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also qualify for the CI-4 PLUS designation.
CH-4	Current	Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.

 

[SCORPIO]

I'd have no problem using a diesel rated oil in a gas engine, but not the other way around. Most diesel oils have more additives to combat shearing and soot than gasoline rated oils. I use Rotella diesel rated oil in all my diesel and gas equipment for my business with no problems. I have six diesel trucks and tractors and several gas powered tractors as well as small engines and they all get either Rotella T 30W or 15W/40. Many years of good service from all of them.

 

[Boatingnut]

No worries, you are smart to run Rotella in those motors..... Carry on.

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

OK
From what I have been told
The Shell Rep has told all of the Auto Parts Stores I have contacted
is that the only change is to the label and the pouring system to make it easier to pour

But I do see that the rating has been changed to API CJ-4
SJ and SN are no longer listed

Still concerned though

 

[Boatingnut]

Rotella is designed for diesels, and diesels put way more stress on oil than gasoline engines do. Do a little research online, you will quickly find the Rotella, Chevron and Delvac are superior oils.

Before this boat, all I ran in my big blocks was Rotella. Oil samples confirm that it worked wonderfully.

 

[Daniel P Thomas]

Thanks
Boatingnut

The Rotella SAE 30W is all I have run in this boat for the past 10 seasons and have
done oil analysis through Blackstone and have seen no changes.
My concern was the label change to Diesel


I did see Wal Mart still has the old label Conventional Engine Oil
I'm stopping by this afternoon and will compare labels
Dan

 

[LiquidWrench]

FWIW I run rotella diesel oil in my classic British cars because of the slightly higher zinc levels that are needed for flat tappet engines. Have run it for years with no problems.

 

[paulswagelock]

Went to their website and noted the difference. It is no longer rated as dual purpose (diesel and gasoline). That does not mean the formula changes, just the test procedures they subject the oil to have changed.

If it were me, I would likely switch over to their 15w40 oil that carries the certifications and is likely a better (more versatile) oil.
Straight weight oils are really old school. The new viscosity modifiers have advanced so much that a multiweight can be very sheer stable.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I've run it in my boat mains, generator, and my Yamaha FJR Motorcycle for years without issue.