Shell
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
Recommended blend: M12 (please read below)
SLR-3 Scoring ---
- N/A: 76.14
- M12: 97.16
Initial lubricity was rather poor, but once the initial wear happened and the parts were moving well, this oil was fantastic and provided some of the best continual results in any base, out-of-the-bottle oil tested so far. 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. With M12, this oil is #1.
SQUID INK M12 provided astonishing results, resulting in the least scarring of any oil tested as of this posting. It out performed 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 "thicker" combination -- while nearly all SQUID INK blends have elements that create multi-layer chains shift friction from the components to the oil, M12 creates a few more, stronger layers than other 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. Therefore, it's recommend that a quality external oil cooler is used when M12 is mixed with Rotella to help keep these temperatures in within a healthy operating range. It's also worth noting that as the layers started to build on the components, the temperatures dropped significantly. 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 highly recommended, even necessary to use M12 with Rotella.
How reliable are these results?
Blow is a comparison at the 120 minute mark of N/A (no additives) vs M12. As always, all tests used the exact same cylinder for consistency and reliability of results.
Some final notes on Rotella:
- This is one of those oils that is seen as a “those in the know use it” cheap alternative. It is $18-25 per 5 qt. It is specifically designed for trucks and towing, and is high detergent but also high load bearing. The results were slightly above average with no additives (N/A), however with M12 the performance was ourstanding.
- This oil with M12 attaches so well to the components that it would run down the arm that holds the wear-cylinder and drip down the joint onto the table. This resulted in oil loss from the reservoir, and toward the end of the 120 minute testing the reservoir was at the minimum level. M12 increased the API weight from 32.23 to 34.01.
- This oil has a strong film and residue strength when used with SQUID INK blend M12, which lead to excellent load and loaded start results.
Ultra Helix 5W40
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