Rotella oil

[Joe L.]

Re: Rotella oil

I don't think you'll ever find and exact match, even for a given brand that was manufactured at a different time and the accuracy/granularity of the test results. The important thing is the various oil categories physical and chemical properties should be in a fairly narrow range.

Use of the API "donut" and categories requires a license from the API and documentation that the specific blend passes all the requisite specifications and tests for the listed primary and secondary certifications. I've never been aware that any "fake" API certified oils have ever made it to retail shelves. It may have happened, but API is very aggressive about enforcing their licensing requirements.

Duke

Duke------


I would think that the additive packages used by each manufacturer would be chemically different. The "end result" of course would be compliance with API and SAE standards. But, I would think that "the way they get there" would be different enough to show up in specs. I've never checked, though.

[Duke W.]

Re: Rotella oil

No, everyone uses the same technology and looks for the least expensive additive package that meets the criteria for whatever API primary category is the target market. Look at a half dozen or so different brand spec sheets and the physical and chemical properties are all usually in a very narrow range. That's why I refer to engine oil as a "generic" product. The national brands spend big bucks on advertising to their target market, but the generic stuff that doesn't get advertised is almost always just as good.

It's equivalent to the drug market. I your doctor prescribes an off-patent drug, always request a generic rather than an advertised brand because they are both chemically identical.

Duke

[Ted K.]

Re: Rotella oil

Was in Walmart today and Super-Tech does not indicate CJ-4 nor do any of the other brands. They are API and SN. Do those rating include CJ-4?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rotella oil

Was in Walmart today and Super-Tech does not indicate CJ-4 nor do any of the other brands. They are API and SN. Do those rating include CJ-4?

Ted------


No, I think you're looking at the wrong "Super-Tech". I think that Walmart brand includes both gasoline and diesel engine oils. The one you looked at was apparently the gasoline version. Look for the diesel version for the CJ-4 rating.

[Don H.]

Re: Rotella oil

[Duke W.]

Re: Rotella oil

Was in Walmart today and Super-Tech does not indicate CJ-4 nor do any of the other brands. They are API and SN. Do those rating include CJ-4?

Retailers typically stock C-category oils together and they are segregated from S-category. If SuperTech C-category is in stock it will be shelved next to the Delo, Delvac, and Rotella. A primary category SN CANNOT carry a secondary C-category.

Duke