Well. Was out pounding the pavement trying to find Shell Rotella 5W40 synthetic. What a farce.

I want to run 5 40 for the colder months. I am having a pain in the http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley35.gif
time of trying to find it. Was told a few prices for 4 LTR
jugs. Now I am told it only comes in 20 LTR pails, or one LTR
bottles. Still can't get a solid price.



Well again.... Talking to a guy at a specialty diesel shop. Says
NOT to bother with synthetic. Gave a speel about Shell being sued
in the 80's for marketing 15 40 oil, but it was straight 30 weight.

He says there is only ONE manufacturer of 15W40 oil. They label
it for everyone else. Plus some other stuff that gave me a
headache.





Questions.......



Is Shell Rotella 15W40 acceptable for the Duramax? (meet all
standards) I don't have a bottle to look up specs and compare to
owners manual.

Is the 5 40 synthetic suitable for the Duramax?

Is it possible to run synthetic for one oil change, than switch back to mineral oil?



I THOUGHT I knew some of these answers, but am now questioning them.

In the USA Rotella Synthetic has been available at WalMart, but I don't know the situation in Ontario.


15-40 is suitable for the Duramax as it is CI-4 and the Duramax LB7 requires CH-4 or CI-4. However, it may be too thick for cold winter temperatures in Ontario and a 5w-40 would be better, I would think.


In the Duramax diesel supplement, 5w-40 is listed as an alternate viscosity. I have been running 5w-40 Shell Rotella Synthetic year round since 12k Miles. Older Shell Rotella Synthetic gallons in the USA were marked CH-4, and I understand they are now CI-4, but I have never seen one (I stocked up on a few gallons a year ago).


You can switch back and forth, no problem.

I've used Rotella 15W40 since my second oil change and have had
excellent results with it. I'm north of Toronto and have had no
problems using it in the winter. The truck is parked outside in the
winter and not plugged in. Have never had any starting or oil pressure
issues using this oil, in hot or cold temperatures. I have regular OA's done and the OCI is every
8000KM. The results are always well below average wear levels. Looking
to extend my OCI to 12,000KM with my bypass system I just installed. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

If you have a Detroit Diesel nearby you might try them for Rotella 5W40
synthetic. The one out in Oshawa carrys a few different brands, not
sure about Rotella syn. but they beat everybody on price for
Rotella 15-40 dino.

The 15-40 is CH-4 rated which is required for the LB7 engine.


Edited by: TC Dmax

Thanx for the replies, guys. I have an e-mail into Shell Canada for some dealer info. See if they reply.

i am using the 5-40 syn shell now and its as thick as delo

PC,


Did it help with the low oil pressure problems?

If you are going to switch back and forth between syn and dino I would recomend staying with the same brand. If you plan on keeping your truck for a long time I wouls also recommend going 5-40 syn in the winters up there.

Salesrep,

Just curious.. What oil are you running in your diesel?

I run Schaeffer's. Of Course.

What year is your truck? LB7 or LLY?

Thanx guys. Same brand seems to make sense.