Author Topic: Rotella Synthetic 5w40 diesel oil vs. Mobil 1 5w40 diesel oil (Read 43243 times)

Scaffolder · « **on:** November 06, 2011, 08:45:14 AM »

I have been using Rotella but now that Walmart sells all Mobil 1 gallons for $26. I have been thinking about changing to the Mobil 1 version. That is even cheaper than Rotella. Not all Walmarts carry it, but 1 out of 3 does. I wish you could get Mobil 1 4T for that price.
Has anyone been using this oil?

Frank ZZR · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2011, 09:05:07 AM »

Personally I would not use any 5W oil in my bike. I've been using Mobil 1 15W-50 for as long as I can remember in all my bikes (and some cars) with no issues.

OregonLAN · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2011, 06:24:21 PM »

Use whatever you like. Just make sure you don't pick an oil with friction additives.

lt1 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 07, 2011, 10:09:01 AM »

Is the Mobil 1 you refer to JASO MA compliant? I know that both Rotella T & T6 are, but do not recall seeing JASO MA on the Mobil 1 container.

katata1100 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2011, 01:41:50 PM »

I stopped using Rotella when they reformulated it, but if I were to use now, I'd go with the 15-40 stuff. The "synthetic" stuff is group III dyno, that's all. The 15-40 cheap stuff also has a little more zinc, could help your tranny/shifting.
As for M1 5-40, it is worth noting that there is another version which is much better, but cost more. I think it is called Mobil 1"european formula" and the only places I know that sell it are Pep Boys and Dodge dealerships.
It meets the requirements for a lot more engines (mostly diesel) that the regular M1 5-40 truck/diesel stuff you see. It is also the only VW approved TDI oil that is 30w (most oils approved for TDI's are 5-40)- gives me an extra 3 mpg.I stopped being a M1 fan years ago with the switch to group III, then this awesome stuff came out. I haven't tried it in my bike and likely never will as it is $&T#@&^ expensive (almost $10 a quart) and I can get Redline 5-40 motorcycle oil for $7 a qt. But hey, if you see some that is accidentally priced the same as regular M1, pick it up!

Pokey · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2011, 02:19:05 PM »

Quote from: katata1100 on November 07, 2011, 01:41:50 PM

I stopped using Rotella when they reformulated it, but if I were to use now, I'd go with the 15-40 stuff. The "synthetic" stuff is group III dyno, that's all. The 15-40 cheap stuff also has a little more zinc, could help your tranny/shifting.
As for M1 5-40, it is worth noting that there is another version which is much better, but cost more. I think it is called Mobil 1"european formula" and the only places I know that sell it are Pep Boys and Dodge dealerships.
It meets the requirements for a lot more engines (mostly diesel) that the regular M1 5-40 truck/diesel stuff you see. It is also the only VW approved TDI oil that is 30w (most oils approved for TDI's are 5-40)- gives me an extra 3 mpg.I stopped being a M1 fan years ago with the switch to group III, then this awesome stuff came out. I haven't tried it in my bike and likely never will as it is $&T#@&^ expensive (almost $10 a quart) and I can get Redline 5-40 motorcycle oil for $7 a qt. But hey, if you see some that is accidentally priced the same as regular M1, pick it up!

Where you getting Redline for $7 a quart?

Scaffolder · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2011, 04:42:13 PM »

If I spend that kind of money I'll get the Mobil 1 4T. I'll probably stick with the Rotella. It has been good for me all along on my old 08 and my 2010 bikes. As for the VW TDIs I always used the Castrol Syntec. The VWs have 10,000 mile intervals too. It's easier to spend extra $$$$ on it. I loved the VW Golf TDI I had.

Frank ZZR · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2011, 07:14:41 AM »

Quote from: lt1 on November 07, 2011, 10:09:01 AM

Is the Mobil 1 you refer to JASO MA compliant? I know that both Rotella T & T6 are, but do not recall seeing JASO MA on the Mobil 1 container.

Nope, M1 15W 50 is not Jaso compliant. If that's important a person would not want to use this oil.

stevewfl · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2011, 07:26:16 AM »

Quote from: lt1 on November 07, 2011, 10:09:01 AM

Is the Mobil 1 you refer to JASO MA compliant? I know that both Rotella T & T6 are, but do not recall seeing JASO MA on the Mobil 1 container.

+1

Most diesel oils contain some "bike unfriendly" additives.

Plus Shell > Exxon/Mobil

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2011, 07:39:09 AM »

Quote from: Frank ZZR on November 06, 2011, 09:05:07 AM

Personally I would not use any 5W oil in my bike. I've been using Mobil 1 15W-50 for as long as I can remember in all my bikes (and some cars) with no issues.

Depending on the temperature range, the supported weights are all either 10W or 20W 30/40/50 . 10W is the recommended weight consistently below freezing temps. With that being said, the scale stops at 14 degrees F. The only way I would run it would be if I were running the bike below those temps but then again if it's that cold I would be in the cage.

stevewfl · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2011, 07:58:08 AM »

I've used 5W-XX oil since I've had my C14, but synthetic.

My Shell Oil friend said that 5W number factors mainly during start-up cold engine temps and synth, whether blended or full, has a whole different characteristic when cold. 5W a non-issue.

He could've been BSing me but I've ran 5W-XX on all my bikes track and street with no issue.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:05:39 AM »

I wonder why Kawi is only recommending 10w as the lowest then...? My goodness, they should have talked to you first, Steve. They're probably just nervous Nellies and overly conservative. Maybe heard a rumor or two on the Net as well.

The power of KIPASS is protects us all no matter what we do to the bike, right? I love it!

Gearhead82 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:30:08 AM »

Quote from: stevewfl on November 08, 2011, 07:58:08 AM

My Shell Oil friend said that 5W number factors mainly during start-up cold engine temps and synth, whether blended or full, has a whole different characteristic when cold. 5W a non-issue.

From everything I've read, this is totally correct. A 5W-40 and 10W-40 are both 40 weight oils when at operating temperature. They are the same (all other things being equal). The only difference is that the 5W won't thicken as much when it's cold compared to a 10W and therefore will do a better job of lubricating the engine when it's cold. There are no disadvantages to running an oil with a lower Winter number (again, all other things being equal). I would happily run a 0W-40 oil in my bike if it was available.

stevewfl · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:39:50 AM »

Quote from: Gearhead82 on November 08, 2011, 08:30:08 AM

From everything I've read, this is totally correct. A 5W-40 and 10W-40 are both 40 weight oils at operating temperature. They are the same (all other things being equal). The only difference is that the 5W won't thicken as much when it's cold compared to a 10W and therefore will do a better job of lubricating the engine when it's cold. There are no disadvantages to running an oil with a lower Winter number (again, all other things being equal). I would happily run a 0W-40 oil in my bike if it was available.

^^^^that.

And drag racers run 0-XX synth weight at our drag strip all the time, I know of one ZX14 with over 10,000 miles on it, one quarter mile at a time. This was without KiPass to protect it too

stevewfl · « **Reply #14 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:40:34 AM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 08, 2011, 08:05:39 AM

I wonder why Kawi is only recommending 10w as the lowest then...? My goodness, they should have talked to you first, Steve. They're probably just nervous Nellies and overly conservative. Maybe heard a rumor or two on the Net as well. The power of KIPASS is protects us all no matter what we do to the bike, right? I love it!

just saw this, and yes sir indeed

katata1100 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 08, 2011, 01:32:41 PM »

Quote from: Pokey on November 07, 2011, 02:19:05 PM

Where you getting Redline for $7 a quart?

Local oil wholeseller that sells the public. Minimum amount is a case of 12 qts.

B.D.F. · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2011, 03:24:01 PM »

I do not think that is correct Steve- the oils that contain friction modifiers are all 30 weight (or Xw- 30 multi- weight) oils as far as I know. Diesel oils are not energy saving and do not contain friction modifiers, again to the best of my knowledge. Diesel oils are all heavier than 30 weight, at least the multi- weight diesel oils are. I have seen straight 30 weight diesel rated oil but then again, no straight weight oil is energy saving either to the best of my knowledge.

Diesel oils seem to work well in motorcycles and are very popular with no nasty side effects that I am aware of, although I do not care for the way my C-14 shifts using 5w- 40 Rotella (the new stuff, the older stuff was better in my experience).

Brian

Quote from: stevewfl on November 08, 2011, 07:26:16 AM

+1

Most diesel oils contain some "bike unfriendly" additives.

Plus Shell > Exxon/Mobil

stevewfl · « **Reply #17 on:** November 08, 2011, 03:38:31 PM »

BDF you're right, i should've said "certain" diesel oils are no good. if they have the "starbust" or "energy saving" labels they are garbage don't put that crap in your bike. but doesn't matter, rotella T6 synth is motorcycle rated anyway was my point.

interesting oil threads

h2smokin · « **Reply #18 on:** November 08, 2011, 08:30:34 PM »

I use delo 400 in my gl1500 with no problems so far, thats all the original owner used in it as well. 115000 miles so far with no problems but not sure i would use it in my c14

booger · « **Reply #19 on:** November 08, 2011, 09:03:42 PM »

Have used only Penzoil 30 wt in all my cars and motorcycles for 45 years, except one

Change every 3000 miles on autos, 1500 miles on motorcycles and once/season on lawn equipment.

Have had a multitude of cars and 27 motorcycles and not an oil related failure on any of them.

Worry more about getting it changed frequently than what brand/type you are going to use

News:

Author Topic: Rotella Synthetic 5w40 diesel oil vs. Mobil 1 5w40 diesel oil (Read 43243 times)