I was in the local wally world today to buy oil and noticed that they had 2 different gallon jugs of Rotella..The new bottle was designated API CJ-4/SM. The other jug which looked like an older jug had the designation CI-4 Plus. Been reading that the CJ-4 was formulated for the 07 and newer diesel engines. So my question is....Is it okey to run this new oil in our 06 and older engines. I'm sure someone here with some oil experience can answer this.

 

as far as the rating system goes, you can run "newer" oil in older engines. But you cannot run "older" oil in a newer engine.

 

The newer stuff probably has reduced ash content to help keep the exhaust filter clean. I hope they did not reduce the zinc as well because it helps with scuff resistance.

 

Yea I was just reading the shell web site and they said you can use the new oil in older engines.

 

With the new CJ oil you will need to change more often. There is less detergent additive in the newer oil.

 

From what I have read, it could be the opposite. Because of the low sulfur content in the fuel, the oil may not contaminate as quickly extending oil change intervals in 2006 and older diesels.

Here is a brief statement from the Rotella site:

Due to the requirements of the new engines, lubricant requirements and operating conditions will significantly change in three ways:

Change #1
Higher operating temperatures as a result of increased use of EGR

Change #2
High soot levels as a result of EGR

Change #3
Compositional limits on oil (limits on sulfated ash, phosphorous, sulfur)

To account for this, CJ-4 oils will be significantly better in:

Wear control
Deposit control
Oxidation stability (resistance to breakdown at high temperatures)


To me that sounds like those of use with older trucks will be getting a better oil, and potentially be able to increase intervals based on oil analysis. Chevron's website comes right out says that older diesels will probably be able to extend intervals using CJ oil.

 

I was at the BJ Wholesale Club where I bought my current case of Rotella ~ a year ago for $40. It's now $65. I wonder if the new formula is the reason for the jump in price.

 

I dont know about a case..but I only paid $8.88 for a gallon jug..Pretty reasonable to me.

 

The new TDR magazine talks about it at length. TDR issue 54 pgs 10 and 11. Bottom line is yes you can use the CJ-4, true it is backwards compatible. However, the article says to stick with the API CI-4 "Your engine will thank you for it"
Cheers
Mike
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The last article I read in Diesel Power stated that the CJ-4 spec WAS far better. This is due to the low lubrication in the new ULSDF, the new CJ-4 oil has superior additional lubrication properties to help off set the lacking lubricity in ULSDF.

 

This is from the Rotella site. Because of stricter smog regulations on the 2007+ motors, the amount of detergent is now limited (in CJ-4 oils), and diesels love detergent. And some of the additives that the oil companies used in their oils are going to be limited in amount in the new oils. Some of the new less polluting additives that will be used are as yet not proven. On the positive side, the new base oils will be more highly refined.
Info from TDR Issue 54 PAGES 10&11
Mike

 

People get too caught up in the what if's now days due to advertizing, marketing, and then vendors on websites such as this one trying to drum up business. Use the new oil with full competience it will protect your engine just as well.

 

Getting old , so I can't remember what Diesel Magizine I read it in, but the new oil offers better wear protection on the older engine parts.

 

If interested, here is the link to a virgin oil analysis I had Blackstone run on the new Rotella I put in my '06 Dodge Cummins 5.9L. Looks not much different than CI-4+ Rotella T. More Boron, slightly less Phosphorous.

http://theoildrop.server101.com/foru...e=0#Post804388

 

All marketing.

There is no way an oil with an 8 TBN rating is going to be able to go on as long intervals as a 12 TBN oil. With any diesel that doesn't have a particulate filter you would be wise to run a CI-4+ oil as long as they are being formulated, period.

The additive package in CI-4+ oils are made to fight off contamination longer, even when using ULSD.