Motor oil

[Ted K.]

I went to Walmart to buy motor oil for my mid year,(oil change) and all they had was synthetic or synthetic blend, other than diesel which was real motor oil. The clerk indicated that they will only carry the blend or full synthetic in the future. Is the Rotella 10W30 diesel motor oil a good alternative for the c1, c2 c3 corvettes? Thanks

[John F.]

Re: Motor oil

Yes. The Shell is fine.

[Duke W.]

Re: Motor oil

I was at a local Walmart a week ago and noticed there was a lot of empty shelf space in the automotive department, but their 15W-40 CK-4 SuperTech house brand was in stock, and the price was up from the last time I checked.

Duke

[Paul H.]

Re: Motor oil

Check your local Ace Hardware store. Many carry Shell Rotella 15W 40. I bought it at Ace recently when I couldn't get it at Walmart as I have in the past.

[Gary S.]

Re: Motor oil

Shell? Yes, but didn't someone (Duke maybe?) say that as long as the label says it meets the latest gas or diesel API spec then it is good to go and virtually the same as any other brand?

[Duke W.]

Re: Motor oil

Yes. I've lost track of how many times I've recommended to buy the least expensive 15W-40 CK-4, (first listed API service category) beginning with my engine oil article, first published in the Corvette Restorer, back in 2008 and now on several Web sites and in numerous posts. BRAND MAKES NO DIFFERENCE, but the Web is obsessed with "Rotella", and I don't understand why.

file:///home/chronos/u-3a4e688fadf8b12a36c75e4831b664a7a9f6214d/MyFiles/Downloads/Engine%20Oil%20For%20Vintage%20Corvettes.pdf

Duke

[Gary S.]

Re: Motor oil

Even though I accept your information it is difficult to ignore 65+ years of ad programming and reach for the Shell/Penzoil etc and grab the store chain API branded oii. I do use the store brand but I almost feel like the old cartoon where the devil in on one shoulder saying "buy it" in my ear and the angel on the other shoulder saying "buy the Rotella". Lol.

I am a convert. I guess ss API is there for a reason?

[Joe L.]

Re: Motor oil

I was at a local Walmart a week ago and noticed there was a lot of empty shelf space in the automotive department, but their 15W-40 CK-4 SuperTech house brand was in stock, and the price was up from the last time I checked.

Duke

Duke-------


I use synthetic in all of my cars now but all of mine do have hydraulic roller camshafts. One thing of note: most Walmart SuperTech oils meet GM's Dexos standard. That's GM's highest standard. That gives me great confidence in the Super Tech product and it's priced well below the major brands some of which don't claim to meet the Dexos standard.

[Paul H.]

Re: Motor oil

Yes. I've lost track of how many times I've recommended to buy the least expensive 15W-40 CK-4, (first listed API service category) beginning with my engine oil article, first published in the Corvette Restorer, back in 2008 and now on several Web sites and in numerous posts. BRAND MAKES NO DIFFERENCE, but the Web is obsessed with "Rotella", and I don't understand why.

file:///home/chronos/u-3a4e688fadf8b12a36c75e4831b664a7a9f6214d/MyFiles/Downloads/Engine%20Oil%20For%20Vintage%20Corvettes.pdf

Duke

Duke, Perhaps I can explain the "obsession", at least for me. I like to use what I have used successfully for decades. Why deviate if it's available? If and when Rotella becomes unavailable, I wouldn't hesitate to use any of the other CK-4 15W-40. We are creatures of habit after all.

[Daniel Y.]

Re: Motor oil

Shell Rotella 15W 40 is in most Walmarts

[William F.]

Re: Motor oil

But if it has an API rating of S ("spark" for gasoline engines) it would have less ZDDP than an oil with "C" (diesel) only classification, rigjht? If you go with Rotella T be sure to buy the one rated "C' only.

[John P.]

Re: Motor oil

So is Zinc concentration still a genuine consideration for C2, or is is just more marketing mumbo-jumbo?

[Joe L.]

Re: Motor oil

So is Zinc concentration still a genuine consideration for C2, or is is just more marketing mumbo-jumbo?

John------


It's still a consideration for engines with flat tappet cams which includes all 1953-87 Corvettes. For engines with hydraulic roller cams I don't think it's necessary.

My advice: for flat tappet engines use a gasoline engine rated synthetic oil and add a zinc/phosphorous additive (like GM EOS) to each oil fill.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Motor oil

The last time I called Shell Tech Support (?) I was told that Rotella still has 1200 ppm of zinc and 1100 ppm phosphorous- nothing has changed and the latest rating has been updated but not because of the zinc and phosphorous. I just now went on line and checked and the newest posting from Shell still show this. Any CJ or CK rated oil from any source is the same as the Rotella. Walmart house brand has that rating but to be honest, I still buy the Rotella for my '69 but I buy the house brand for my 51 Chevrolet. I know, Duke, I'm spending more that I should.
Jeff

[Bernie B.]

Re: Motor oil

I've only been a member of NCRS for approx. 4yrs. This subject has interested me since I bought my '64 in 2017. I went back and read the threads from 2008. There was a post mentioning Valvoline VR-1, 10-30 conventional motor oil. It contains zinc. I had this oil recommended to me for use in my car. As far I can tell the engine has never been apart with 56000 miles and it currently has the VR-1 in it. Has anyone used this oil? Any issues using it?
Bernie