Mix Rotella T and Rotella T4

[Solace in Solitude]

I've been running Rotella T and just found that T is discontinued and the replacement is T4.

Reading the labels and the Rotella info on the web, they are VERY similar, but NOT exact.

I still have a gallon jug of T and just bought another gallon of T4, for an upcoming oil change.

I'd like to mix them and can't find anything that definitively says not to...

Does anyone have any insight they care to share?

Otherwise, I'll try to find a phone number for Rotella and give the, a call tomorrow.

Thanks!

 

[mrboatman]

I found this on the web so sounds like others have had the same question. Looks like you should be good to go
JP

Ordered 3 gallons of the 10W-30 Rotella T and received Rotella T4. Called Shell tech line and they said the T4 is T re-branded? They said it still has all the same ZDDP additive levels as the T but simply re-packaged for some reason. I didn't really catch the reasoning but was willing to go along to get along.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I found this on the web so sounds like others have had the same question. Looks like you should be good to go
JP

Ordered 3 gallons of the 10W-30 Rotella T and received Rotella T4. Called Shell tech line and they said the T4 is T re-branded? They said it still has all the same ZDDP additive levels as the T but simply re-packaged for some reason. I didn't really catch the reasoning but was willing to go along to get along.

Thanks JP... I saw that, but they aren’t mixing the old with the new.

I really do t see a problem, but thought I’d ask.

 

[Nader]

I believe these engines were built with the intention of servicing them anywhere in the world, with whatever fuels and oils are available there. It's going to take more than mismatched premium oils to kill these engines. Then again, I'm kind of new here, what do I know?

Anyway, there's my old saying: The cheapest clean oil is always better than the most expensive dirty oil.

 

[Nader]

This thread has me thinking... wonder what kind of oil this guy is using?

 

[Solace in Solitude]

This thread has me thinking... wonder what kind of oil this guy is using?

View attachment 1593038

Looks like WL Jean beer on the roof

 

[gator25]

Sure are some expensive rockets, wonder where those come from.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Sure are some expensive rockets, wonder where those come from.

Hmmm

 

[gator25]

Danny I'm glad you brung this up, I've used Rotella T 15w40 in just about everything when the oil companies started pulling additives out. The newer gasoline engines don't really need it like the old ones. I also have been wondering what the difference is, glad to see nothing has changed. Thanks @mrboatman

 

[Spike Strip]

Yes, you can mix them, best if they're the same viscosity range, but OK of not. Some say not to mix different brands due to different additives, but I mix oils and viscosity all the time and never have a problem. I've used Castrol and Valvoline racing motorcycle oil to boost zddp levels with Rotella and no problems (that I know of)...

I think the new T4 designation was marketing to bring the Rotella oil line together so you have, T4 (dino oil), T5 (blended syn & dino), T6 Full Synthetic.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Yes, you can mix them, best if they're the same viscosity range, but OK of not. Some say not to mix different brands due to different additives, but I mix oils and viscosity all the time and never have a problem. I've used Castrol and Valvoline racing motorcycle oil to boost zddp levels with Rotella and no problems (that I know of)...

I think the new T4 designation was marketing to bring the Rotella oil line together so you have, T4 (dino oil), T5 (blended syn & dino), T6 Full Synthetic.

Thanks! That's what I suspected as well.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Sure are some expensive rockets, wonder where those come from.

You know, Nolen... I don't recall buying those rockets. But, I'll bet I paid for them.

 

[JohnnyC]

X2 I mix oil all the time... viscosity brands etc

I’ve even mixed oil and water... but... that was because my diff was submerged

 

[Spike Strip]

I'm not sure because I haven't done the research, but it also may have something to do with the new CK4 and FA-4 diesel oil designations (replacing the older CJ-4) dropping this month (Rotella is a diesel oil).

Demistifying CK-4 and FA-4 oils: What you need to know about compatibility, and more

FWIW, I would not use these newest oils in my 2F engine, if indeed the T4 is now a CK-4 oil, until there are some VOIs on the web. Ford, for its Powerstroke engine (why do all diesel engine brand name sound like condoms ?) will not certify the CK-4 for use...

These emission-oils standards were mandated under the Obama Admin EPA, so take that FWIW.

 

[gator25]

Thanks @Spike Strip, that's exactly why I used it in the first place. Being a diesel engine oil it did not have to meet the requirements the gas did.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I'm not sure because I haven't done the research, but it also may have something to do with the new CK4 and FA-4 diesel oil designations (replacing the older CJ-4) dropping this month (Rotella is a diesel oil).

Demistifying CK-4 and FA-4 oils: What you need to know about compatibility, and more

FWIW, I would not use these newest oils in my 2F engine, if indeed the T4 is now a CK-4 oil, until there are some VOIs on the web. Ford, for its Powerstroke engine (why do all diesel engine brand name sound like condoms ?) will not certify the CK-4 for use...

These emission-oils standards were mandated under the Obama Admin EPA, so take that FWIW.

T4 is, indeed, a CK-4 oil

So, any other good oil with ZDDP?

Old (T)

New (T4)

 

[Spike Strip]

I've switched to Lucas Magnum 15w40 for pre-2007 Diesel.

SAE 15W-40 Magnum High TBN CI-4 Oil

Lucas also make a 'Hot Rod' oil with higher zddp which is prolly better for the 2F, but costs more.

https://lucasoil.com/pdf/Zinc_Values_MotorcycleOil.pdf

 

[gator25]

I guess you could add some ZPPD, they sell it Oreallys

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Thanks @Spike Strip!!

Yeah, I have some ZDDP @gator25

I probably have enough T to do an oil change, without changing the filter, this time.

I’ll swap brands next time.

Thanks everyone!!

 

[Nader]

I add a bottle of this to most of my oil changes (I have 8 cars+trucks). About $8/bottle. I usually pick up a bottle every other visit to O'Reilly's. And I go there a lot.