TheSamba.com :: View topic - Rotella 15-w40 in air-cooled Vanagon

Wed May 29, 2013 2:13 pm

Just want to hear from anyone who currently uses it - not whether I should or not, or anything else that would start another discussion on the merits of oil choices :roll:

thanks

Wed May 29, 2013 3:35 pm

i have put Rotella & Delo 15w40 in hunderds of ACVWs.

it is the main oil we use @ our shop unless they want to step up to "racing oil".

Wed May 29, 2013 3:56 pm

moderator's note: short leash. let's not get into a debate. there's already a dedicated topic for that.

Wed May 29, 2013 6:03 pm

Glenn wrote: moderator's note: short leash. let's not get into a debate. there's already a dedicated topic for that.

Yep..just wanted to know if it was OK ...and apparently it is....

thanks

Wed May 29, 2013 6:10 pm

I used to use Rotella T 15W-40 5 years ago. That was before they lowered the amount of zinc in it and it was on a engine that had 90,000 miles.

I switched to a different brand that has plenty of zinc and to a lighter grade since I have a new engine.

In the name of full disclosure, the engine is a Type 1 in a Beetle.

Wed May 29, 2013 6:38 pm

Wolf I use Rotella 15W40 fall and spring. Then switch to 20W50 Castrol for hot summer months. This combo seems to work in the Pacific North West for my Air Cooled.

Glenn - I know ZZDP has been reduced for most modern oils but do the diesel oils have a little more than the regular 10W30 oils?

Wed May 29, 2013 6:39 pm

BC Westie wrote: Glenn - I know ZZDP has been reduced for most modern oils but do the diesel oils have a little more than the regular 10W30 oils?
I "think" so, but not as much as it used to have.

Wed May 29, 2013 7:49 pm

Delo 400LE CJ-4 15w40. Great stuff. a whopping big slug of zinc, 1490ppm (about 30% above regular 15w40 HDEO CJ4), 1312ppm phosphorus and another big dose of boron, 679ppm (boron has wonderful anti-wear properties too). Nice Moly number 117ppm. It is also a very thick 40w with very good cold flow.

See the link:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/May%202013/chevrondelo.htm

Super deal at most Walmarts, about $13 a gallon.

If you want Dino oil, this is the one to use. A group II+..almost a synthetic oil.

No, I don't work for Chevron or have any economic interest in Delo.

Yes, a good 15w40 for your air cooled or WBX engines.

Comparison between a group of 15w40 HDEO CJ4/SM:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/May%202013/consolidatedhdeo.html

Wed May 29, 2013 10:31 pm

Spec pages for both Delo & Rotella are readily available on the inerwebs and according to said spec pages they both have plenty of zinc.

I, like Glen prefer the "racing oil".
You can literally smell the goodness 8)

Thu May 30, 2013 6:08 am

Give'er, I've used it for years is hundreds of my engines.