I am considering changing my oil from Shell Rotella T 15w-40 to Valvoline Premium Blue 15w-40. I am getting tired of the smell, and I would think that if Cummins puts their name on the jug that it must be the best oil for their engine. My questions are: Would it be a bad idea to change oil brands at this point? Why? Does anyone have UOA's on each of these oils? Is the Valvoline better than the Shell, or vice versa, and why? Am I just being silly?

 

No problem changing brands! I prefer the Valvoline over the Rotella (not what it once was, IMO). Try to get CI-4 if possible. CJ-4 oils have been dumbed down (less anti-wear additives) by EPA requirements.

RJ

 

RowJ, why do you prefer the Valvoline?

 

Seems to hold up better on oil analysis I have seen when pushing 8-10,000 miles. Valvoline seems to me to have kept up with newer technology better. JMO.
If your changing at 5,000 miles....not a big consideration.

RJ

 

I run Valvoline and it seems to be the best for me.

 

I agree with the posters here: changing brands is NOT a problem at all, and Valvoline is fantastic stuff-- at least as good as other dino oils.

DELO 400 is good to, if you can find the CI-4 version.

I'm still using up my stash of M1 T&SUV 5w-40 CI-4

 

How about switching to Royal Purple at 57k miles. How well does it perform in Diesel applications or is Dino better?

 

When I run out of Rotella (have a few gallons left) I am going to change as well.

I am also tired of the Rotella smell and have been running it for 2 years. The previous owner of the truck ran it as well. Truck has 176,000 miles.

 

I switched my 96 over at 175K, when I bought the truck, to Amsoil, and haven't looked back. It used to get whatever the dealer put in it, since I believe the former owner had all service done at the dealer. No leaks and it runs like a scalded dog. 224K now.

Chris

 

I,m running Rotella CJ-4 in my 98 , have never smelled this smell everyone talks about. I run Val prem blue in the 02 . Who knows what one is better.

 

Even my buddies new 06 Mega Cab has the smell. He gets the oil done at the dealer (some kind of program) and I could tell right away it was Rotella. He didn't notice a smell.

 

Does the new CJ4 Rotella have that smell? I have been thinking of trying Rotella just to experience the "Rosmella"

 

What smell ?

 

It is a strong sulfur smell that comes out of the crankcase vent tube that occurs after an oil change and LINGERS for a while. I have not smelled it from my dad's 02 Powerstroke, my buddy has never smelled it on his 01 his brother's 02 or his dad's 01 Duramax.

 

Anybody have any reasons not to change the oil brand at this mileage, or any mileage for that matter.