Shell

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This page deals with Shell brand oils

Introduction

Rotella Gas Truck + SQUID INK M12 is one of the best oil combinations tested. With the acknowledgment of editorializing, the results are incredible. Almost unbelievable, but repeated testing has proved it to be true. However, there are caveats, please read the Rotella section below.

Legend

N/A = NO ADDITIVES

M# = SQUID INK ADDITIVE MIX VARIATION

C# = CUSTOM MIX, SEE UNDER CHARTS FOR MORE DETAILS

Results

Rotella Gas Truck 5W30

Rotella gas truck.jpg

Recommended blend: M12 (please read below)

SLR Scoring ---

  • N/A: 70.80
  • M12: 96.75

Initial lubricity was average, but once the initial wear happened and the parts were moving well, this oil produced quite good results. While the initial scarring was larger than expected at 30 minutes, the continued wear was minimal at 60 and 120 minutes in every combination tested, including base. Overall this oil without additives seems comparable to more expensive oils like Royal Purple High Performance and performed better than Mobile-1 Advanced Full Synthetic Extended Protection.

SQUID INK M12 provided outstanding results. It outperformed even Valvoline VR1 + M12, but with the reduction in harmful ZnDDP. HOWEVER, these results were achieved by shifting friction from the components to the oil. M12 is a heavier combination -- while nearly all SQUID INK blends have elements that create multi-layer chains which shift friction from the components to the oil, M12 creates a few more and stronger layers than lighter mixes such as M1 or M5. These layers are what take the friction away from your engine's components, but at the cost of added oil operating temperature in some cases. It's also worth noting that as the layers started to build on the components, the temperatures dropped noticeably. This can be seen in the 120 minute measurements.

The M12 blend also increased the power required differential by around 10% at both the 60 and 120 minute marks (base/total watt 229.5/256.5 N/A vs 237.0/267.4 M12 @ 120 minutes). This is likely due to the additional layers of friction modifiers incorporated as well as the increased temperature. While the motor is located isolated from the flywheel and wear wheel by a drive belt, the heat to the driveshaft of the machine would also translate to the bearings. This is something to take into consideration, as the same effects will happen in your engine. Good engine cooling and oil cooling is recommended with M12.

Shell Rotella Gas Truck 5W30

Scars

Extra

How reliable are these results?

Below is a comparison at the 120 minute mark of N/A (no additives) vs M12. As always, all tests used the exact same cylinder (rotated) for material consistency and reliability of results.

*, **: reruns to verify performance and were done back-to-back after all other tests.

Ultra Helix 5W40

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