Since I first posted my question above, I actually called Shell and talked to an engineer.  Here were her suggestions:

T4, T5 and T6 all have the same levels of ZDDP as the earlier Rotella, however, she also added the comments about their wet clutch compatibilities.

She said that the T4 full petroleum based multi-grade oil is perfectly OK.  Also, the T6, full synthetic is OK, but the T5, semi synthetic is NOT OK for the wet clutches!  It does not meet the JASMO (sp?) specs, but the T4 and the T6 do.

The world is still flooded with oil that was produced last year under the "interim period specs" and no one has done any VOA analysis on T-4 Rotella for this reason.    There are no bottles out there with this year's date codes on them yet, although this is expected to change shortly.

Rotella product engineers responding to different board members on various questions over the last few months have said that Rotella is basically the same as before, with changes to make it more "heat resistant".

T6 synthetic as always been extremely heat proof, so all info points towards T6 as being the same stuff as in years previous.

T4 however is a different oil in a new package containing a different additive formulation set however.   AS SUCH the Petroleum Institute of America and BITOG will eventually perform VOAs on the new T4 formulation and post the information.  

Shell isn't talking any specifics yet at all on any of their "repackaged" oils.

BITOG members won't bite on doing any VOAs until there are production gallon jugs marked as being done AFTER the changeover interim period is completely over.

There is now a clear split in car diesel oils and over the road 18 wheeler diesel oils and in the oils called out for earth moving equipment.   Ford and Cummings and the other diesel engine makers are still testing these new oils and have not certified all of them yet.   Until the tests are all done (and any adjustments made) Rotella does not really have a finalized product spec.

When we buy we must watch the weight of the oils we buy AND the jug markings to keep from getting the wrong stuff.   Rotella brand has a 30 weight oil out for diesel cars now, and that is NOT what we want to be buying for our bikes.   We want the stuff made for TRUCKS.  

This is 15w-40 for Rotella dino oil and 5w-40 for the Rotella synthetic oil.

The Bumper Tables in the Tech Section will get modified as needed just as soon as good reliable information is available.


Lastly, politics -- the new Congress and President are NOT fans of the EPA, nor EPA forced Green Mandate changes that are being made to American Industry.  

When the EPA Green Mandate is crushed, look to see oil makers tend to reformulate back to older, proven "known to be better formulations" as this will be instantly driven by competitive forces.  

This will be countered by the demands of sensor makers, with sensors going into everything now-a-days -- sensors that cannot live with the higher levels of ZDDP.   SAE specs will responsibly balance these competing needs without all the Green Mandate nonsense being shoved into it.

zipidachimp wrote on 02/03/17 at 14:39:18:


How do you calculate how much additive to use if you don't know what is in the base oil?  Too much ZDDP can be as detrimental as too little.

Best guess is follow the existing bump table until more facts are known.

I find it odd that the latest EPA mandated oil reformulation is being held as "top secret", don't you?

Just hold your breath for a bit, the murk will clear out when new production labeled as produced this year hits the shelves.

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 02/03/17 at 19:31:15:


If you will do it, I will donate some $$ to help the cause.  Hopefully I am known on here enough now to be trusted to keep my word!

I have come to the conclusion that the EPA is not concerned about the damage caused to your "non-compliant" outboard, mower, chainsaw or farm tractor.  The EPA would prefer that you stop using these old pieces of equipment, and go buy the new stuff that is EPA compliant.  Struggling farmers and people struggling to keep their old equipment are expected to find some way to stop using the old 8N Ford that their granddad bought....and buy a new piece of equipment.

It is my belief that the folks writing these "laws" are not in touch with the reality of what it takes to run a farm or eek out an existence on the fringe of bankruptcy and starvation.  They want to force you to use their low ZDDP oils and E15 fuel in your equipment.....even if it means the equipment will be damaged. (Sorry for the Tall Table rant here in the Cafe').