Rotella T4

[larkota]

I have a 2005 Dodge 1 ton dually with 185,00 miles that I have used only Rotella T4 10W40 and has never had a leak. Couple of weeks ago had the oil changed and they put in Valvoline 10W40, few days later the rear seal started to leak. Can I blame it on the oil change or stuff happens?

The Rotella T4 10w40 is getting hard to find and higher price, would I be alright switching to Rotella T5 Synthetic 10W40?

Is Shell quitting the T4 oil or are there other reasons for the limited supply and will the shortage be resolved?

 

[SVcummins]

Different oil can cause leaks switch it back . I switched my
3020 to cheap hydraulic oil not long after I developed a leak at
the bell housing switched it back to hygard and it stopped .
Before cheap oil first photo after cheap oil second photo after
switching back third photo

 

[Steve@Advance]

Did you check the oil level? Quick change shops are notorious for getting it
wrong, usually on the under side, but anything is possible.

For now, I think I would just keep watch on it, see what happens. Also carefully
look for oil coming down from above. The bottom of the bell housing collects oil
from everywhere, easy to assume the worst.

Then have your usual oil located and ready for the next oil change. Then you will
know if the oil makes a difference, and you will not have wasted the current oil
that's in it.

It takes a major rear seal leak to ever noticeably lower the oil level. I've had
old beaters that made a big mess, but rarely needed oil added. In fact running a
little low will sometimes stop or slow a rear main leak.

The old forklift at work, a Continental 4 cylinder, trying to keep it on the full
mark is a waste of oil! Let it seek it's own level, about a quart low, and it
will run for a year that way. I only put in 3 quarts at its annual oil change.

 

[Russ from MN]

I used to think that Valvoline was a top quality oil, but recently I have heard otherwise. We used Mobil products
where I worked and their engineers put on very convincing seminars, so I pretty much use Mobil products now. I
think switching brands is what screwed you, and I thought Rotella was still available at a good price, but with
crude at $66 it won't be for long. Supply and demand, everyone is on the road!

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I think Rural King carries it.

 

[jm.]

Our Rural King has been out or very little for the past 4 months.

 

[MarkB_MI]

Hmm. Rotella T4 is a diesel oil; Valvoline 10W40 may or may not be. Do you have a diesel or not?

I see quite a bit of Rotella T4 in stores, but not so much T5 or T6. I had to shop around to find some T6 last month. I suppose it depends on the store.

 

[larkota]

question is to switch from T4 to T5 a synthetic the right move?

 

[larkota]

(quoted from post at 11:29:33 12/04/21) Different oil can cause leaks switch it back . I switched my
3020 to cheap hydraulic oil not long after I developed a leak at
the bell housing switched it back to hygard and it stopped .
Before cheap oil first photo after cheap oil second photo after
switching back third photo
<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto109906.png>

<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto109907.png>

<img src=https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto109908.jpg>

SV had same results years ago with Cenex oil.

 

[Steve@Advance]

question is to switch from T4 to T5

I'm a believer in synthetic. It can be formulated to perform to a specific level
the engine designers feel is necessary. It also is better for extreme
temperatures, especially in air cooled engines, and for extreme cold climates.

But as long as the conventional oil meets the requirements, there is no reason
not to trust it also.

What I don't believe in is trusting synthetic to allow extending oil change
intervals beyond what the engine manufacturers recommendations.

It's a personal choice, costs a little more, but I think it's worth it,
especially when used from the beginning. I see it doing no harm whenever it is
introduced.

 

[SVcummins]

The oil people will tell you its impossible but it isnt

 

[WNYBill]

Is T5 formulated for diesel application?

 

[larkota]

thank you guys

 

[jacksun65]

Had the same thing happen on my diesel APU used rotells since new couldn't find it so used mobil delvac. It ran a few hours and the oil started pouring out of the main
seals. Tried putting lucas oil stabilizer in it didn't work. Got home changed the oil back to rotella and the leaks stopped.

 

[Texasmark]

T5 os 15w-40 dino base, C rated. T6 is 5w-40 full syn.

 

[larkota]

turns out it was not the rear seal - got replaced anyway.
the tube for the dipstick broke off right at the oil pan. they say they never had seen this before, will never go to a lube ranger again. put silicone around it and hope for the best, otherwise another $1000 to pull the pan and replace the tube.

 

[BarnyardEngineering]

So we replace one "one and done" attitude with another? Makes perfect rational sense.

Was this the first time you went to this "Lube ranger" place? If you've been going there right along and receiving good service, it stands to reason that this was an honest mistake that could happen to anyone, not a blatant attempt to intentionally damage your truck.

"Never seen that before" is the standard response you get from a dealer service writer. Worn out tires? "Never seen that before." I only ever met one service writer that knew his stuff. "Oh there's a TSB out for that." "Yup, I've seen that before, and this is what's wrong, and here's what we're going to do to fix it."