Correct Engine Oil

[Edward C.]

I was told 15W-40 Rotella T by Shell with CJ-4 is a good choice of oil in the C1's. I had been using 10w30 Pennzoil. Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

There are many threads on this subject. Do a search and you will find everything you ever (and never) wanted to know about this subject. Rotella is also available in 10W-30, but a little harder to find than 15W-40

[Alexander C.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

I personally prefer Redline. Has all the right stuff

[Duke W.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

There was an in-depth feature article in The Corvette Restorer on the subject within the last couple of years.

Duke

[Richard D.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

I was told 15W-40 Rotella T by Shell with CJ-4 is a good choice of oil in the C1's. I had been using 10w30 Pennzoil. Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks.

Duke's article is attached. Was taken from a Jeep Newsletter, but originally appeared in the Restorer as noted.

[Paul H.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

I've been using the Rotella T 15W 40 in all my old cars for years with no problems.

[Roy B.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

30 Pennzoil for ever and no problem

[David S.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Anyone like that Brad Penn oil with the high zinc content?

-Dave

[Warren F.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Yes, I use only that now. We had quite a lengthy discussion on this oil as well as sending several samples to more than four different oil labs for testing. There is a sticky post under the Technical category in the C3 section on the Corvette Forum that discusses this oil.

[Dick W.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

I run Rotella 15-40 in everything I own. I have run CJ grade or it's predecessors, beginning with the old Mil Spec 2104 B, SD, SE, and what ever came between. I have never rebuilt an engine because of wear, had one premature bearing failure due to oil temps, nor have I ever seen any evidence of sludge. I have periodically taken oil samples since the 1960's and have always been pleased with the results.

I do not see the need for any of the boutique or designer oils when you can go to your local Wally World and buy oil as good as you would ever need for a street driven vehicle

[Duke W.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Never underestimate the power of marketing, nor the relevance of that famous quote attributed to P. T. Barnum.

Duke

[John H.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Never underestimate the power of marketing, nor the relevance of that famous quote attributed to P. T. Barnum.

Duke

Or this one - "Marketing, son, marketing......that's where the money is.."

[Bill S.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Rotella is a diesel oil and therefore not suited for use in gasoline engines. That is the reason they have different oil types for gas and diesel engines. When looking at just the specs it seems as though diesel oil has all of the right stuff for the gas engines. The reality is diesels are inherently dirtier than gas engines and diesel motor oil is blended with higher % of detergents to handle the increase in soot. This higher percentage of detergents not only washes away the soot but also the anti-wear ingredients which is the reason why diesel oil has the high level of ZDDP.

The way to get the protection you need is to buy a motor oil that has a api rating of SF rather than the current SL/SM. One other way is to buy a ZDDP additive that will restore current SM oil to the SF rating from the mid 80s.

[John H.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

Rotella is a diesel oil and therefore not suited for use in gasoline engines.

Bill -

Not true - that's another "internet legend". If it was, Rotella wouldn't carry the second-listed gasoline engine API certifications.

[Duke W.]

Re: Correct Engine Oil

It's just amazing...

Duke