Rotella t5 instead of t4 (cannot find any)?

I have a 1996 Series 60 and I tried the T6 full synthetic. It used oil quicker than the with the T4 which was to be expected, but was great for cold weather starts. The T5 blend will probably work fine for you.
*Side note my motor likes Mobil Delvac better and it is readily available in my area. I realize some people don’t like to change brands, but it worked fine for me and consumes less oil in my operation.*

 

I did the exact same thing as banker. Switched to delvac, less consumption. If I can’t find that I’ll switch to t4, can’t find that, I’ll switch back. Sometimes even mix in t6. It’s all fine, oil samples are fine.

 

95 S60 - I use Schaefer's 15-40 7000 Semi-Synthetic.

I just asked my rep about shortages and he said they were only servicing existing customers and there would be a 2 week delay.

I ordered another 30 gal barrel just in case.

The engine uses the typical gallon every 10,000 miles.

 

Stick with what works I guess.

As to the leaks - I haven't had issues, I had rear structure resealed when the transmission was off, and head gasket was seeping, but changed that with a scored #5 cylinder. In my mind a slight difference in oil viscosity or brand wouldn't suddenly cause an engine to leak like a sieve.

It's the availability issue for us small guys that bothers me. Stock up in advance - maybe buy enough for 2-3 oil changes when you come across it.

 

Little note for all…..

We all I’m sure have experienced trouble getting oil as well as other things.

I was at our local Hdwre and rental store a few weeks ago and noticed they had Rotella 15-40 on the shelf. I begin asking questions and was told they use Rotella in their rental machines… excavators, skid steer, and so on.

Point being, I’m buying oil a little cheaper than my normal place from them, and only have to make a call a week in advance to make sure they have it or can get it on the way.
Just a thought for others who may be having a little trouble finding oil….

 

My friend tried synthetic in his early 12.7’s. They didn’t burn any more of it than mineral, but in 3 oil changes they looked like 8V-71’s. Oil coming out of them everywhere. Went back to mineral and it stopped. I think you’d almost have to go by serial block of engine and see what’s in them for seals. May be synthetic compatibility issues with some.

 

Using semi synthetic on the 12.7 no issues. Better low temp flow and cold start coverage.

 

I see no reason to switch myself. Delvac 1300 so called synthetic blend works great. At $13 gallon it’s a bargain also. Has done me well. Rotella is just as good. Some swear it keeps an engine cleaner than Delvac. Less silicone they used to claim. Rotella T5 is around $45 a gallon. Available as a so called synthetic blend. I guess it’s full synthetic. Might be worth it for extended oil changes. Available in 15/40. Delvac claims it’s good up to 1.5 times manufacturers requirements. I think it’s just fine up to 20k. I’ve done mine at 20k for yrs. Engine lasted over 1.3 mil, on an overhaul. Bearings still looked good. The weakness on a 12.7 is the head gasket, liner protrusion, liners dropping from coolant cavitation. More focus on the condition of coolant instead of oil brand is more important. As far as oil goes, anything will work fine. Too thin will leak. Maybe cause a new leak that only slows after switching back to 15/40