Shell Rotella T4: NOT rated for gasoline engines...

[SgtSlag]

Went to a few stores, looking to buy a jug of Shell Rotella T4 oil, for this season's rides. Checked the bottle, and discovered that they pulled the gasoline engine ratings for the new T4 formula. It still bears the JASO DH-2/MA/MA2 rating... On their web site/PDF (page 4), but I did not see it on the jug -- I likely missed it in the midst of all those diesel ratings. Did not do my homework, so, being very disappointed by this new formula from Shell, I bought a jug of Castrol conventional, instead. Guess I'll go back to Shell next year.

Thought I would share, just in case others get thrown off by the missing SM/SN gasoline ratings. Cheers!

[Van Voyager]

If it's JASO MA rated it's fine. It's probably for diesels which is fine (some say a better choice) to run in a bike (and diesels) unless the bike has a cat converter. Probably not recommended for gasoline engines (i.e car engines) as it contains elevated levels of phosphorous - which is a good thing but which damages cat converters).

[dmwoost]

This is from the Shell page.
The most technically advanced Shell ROTELLA® formulation ever. It is designed to effectively sustain emissions control system durability, where diesel particulate filters and after treatment systems are used. Plus it provides enhanced protection against viscosity loss due to shear and improved oil aeration. The exclusive low-ash formulation helps protect the exhaust catalysts and diesel particulate filters found on the latest low-emission vehicles. Shell ROTELLA® T4 Triple Protection® is uitable for virtually all modern low-emission heavy duty engines* and older, hard working diesel engines.
* Consult your owner’s manual for heavy duty engine oil recommendations.

[wyofisher]

My personal experience from running Shell Rotella in a small diesel for years is that it, like most motor oils has no protection for any splash lubed components what so ever. Despite all the claims that is is the correct oil for the application. As I found out later after overhauling that engine, anything older than the mid 1990’s must use an additive to make oil stick to splash lubed components. My cam, lifters, and oil pump were destroyed, everything pressure lubed was pristine, in my little diesel. Despite that cruel oil company trick, I still use Shell Rotella in everything, but use an addative. My personal favorite is Lucas oil stabilizer, I see the oil still sticking to my drain pan instead of sheeting off like non-addative oil would. But find any “camguard” type addative. I think this applies to the old Voyagers like my ‘86, and have been using Rotella and Lucas stabilizer for years with no noticeable problems, I was worried at first about the wet clutch, but noticed no problems. Heck, I even put the stuff in my lawnmower!

[ghostler]

I also use Lucas oil additive to my oil. May be 14 years ago, I was amazed how the overhead valve train metal surfaces were still glistening wet, when my 1987 LS650 Suzuki Savage sat for 3 weeks before I removed the valve head cover to replace a seal. Only thing with that bike is I got clutch slippage after using consistently for several oil changes. Slippage stopped when I discontinued, took a couple oil changes to stop.

However, I haven't experienced any slippage yet with my 2001 Voyager XII. But it is good for you to point this out, wyofisher , I'll continue adding Lucas as I am already now doing to my Rotella diesel engine oil.

[Thud300]

I've used Rotella oils in all my bikes, it's almost universally recommended, and I haven't noted any undesirable operation.

I like the effect that a small amount of Marvel Mystery Oil in the crankcase has on shifting, feels much smoother and less clunky. Might try a small dose of Lucas when I do my oil change coming up quick.