Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Switching to Rotella 15w40

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #1  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default Switching to Rotella 15w40

So i think im going to make the switch to rotella 15w40, becuase i've heard so many good things about it. I have been running Penzoil 10w30 high mileage for the last 1500 miles and i havent been pleased. Is anyone running Rotella? Do i have to flush my system before i make the change? Or can i just drain the oil and make a direct switch? Thanks. My 96 cherokee has 167000 miles on it.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 01:32 PM
  #2  
SamSissine2's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

nothing special, just regular oil change..

Why are you not pleased with the 10w30 HM?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:18 PM
  #3  
s14unimog's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 2
Model: Cherokee
Default

I don't think you actually need something that heavy but I will say I bet you'll see some cooler operating temperatures. I use the Valvolines equivalent in my 500hp turbo 4cyl. but that's a different story obviously. I don't see why you NEED to go to it. If you're wanting something heavier just use a 40 weight. Regionally, where are you located?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:37 PM
  #4  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default

Originally Posted by SamSissine2
nothing special, just regular oil change..

Why are you not pleased with the 10w30 HM?
Well ever since i started using it ive heard an extremly slight lifter tap at start up. Its not a problem but i just dont like it. lol
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:39 PM
  #5  
SeriousOffroad's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 17
Model: Cherokee
Default

Unles you're putting it in a newly rebuilt motor that hasn't been run yet....save your money.

Rotella (or better still, Chevron Delo400) has alot of zinc in it. Great for preventing cam failures but no practical benifit to a motor that's already been run and is broken in.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:40 PM
  #6  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default

Originally Posted by s14unimog
I don't think you actually need something that heavy but I will say I bet you'll see some cooler operating temperatures. I use the Valvolines equivalent in my 500hp turbo 4cyl. but that's a different story obviously. I don't see why you NEED to go to it. If you're wanting something heavier just use a 40 weight. Regionally, where are you located?
Im located in North East Georgia. And ive also heard that this oil still has the proper amount of Zinc in it becuase diesel oil isnt regulated as much by the EPA or somthing like that. And of course zinc prevents the breakdown of oil, so you get the proper protection.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:43 PM
  #7  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default

Originally Posted by FrankZ
Unles you're putting it in a newly rebuilt motor that hasn't been run yet....save your money.

Rotella (or better still, Chevron Delo400) has alot of zinc in it. Great for preventing cam failures but no practical benifit to a motor that's already been run and is broken in.
Ive actually heard that its very good on 4.0s with high mileage. what would you recommend running?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:45 PM
  #8  
SamSissine2's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

I would decrease your initial # go to a 5w-30 or 40, or even a 0w-30 or 40. That is going to provide your internals the oil they need quicker then 10w and definitely quicker then 15w and reduce or eliminate that tick. Everyone has there opinions or preference so go with what you would like but that initial # is very important when it comes to internal wear @ start-up (where the majority of wear happens) the higher visco you go the thicker the oil is @ crank and longer it will take to flow to all parts and lubricate.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 02:50 PM
  #9  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default

Originally Posted by SamSissine2
I would decrease your initial # go to a 5w-30 or 40, or even a 0w-30 or 40. That is going to provide your internals the oil they need quicker then 10w and definitely quicker then 15w and reduce or eliminate that tick. Everyone has there opinions or preference so go with what you would like but that initial # is very important when it comes to internal wear @ start-up (where the majority of wear happens) the higher visco you go the thicker the oil is @ crank and longer it will take to flow to all parts and lubricate.
Whats a good 5w40 out there? Im not sold on the 0's ive heard that they break down quicker.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:04 PM
  #10  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Originally Posted by ACCoffroad
So i think im going to make the switch to rotella 15w40, becuase i've heard so many good things about it.........
Are u sure all those good things u've heard are about the 15w40......and not the 5W40?????????
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:08 PM
  #11  
ACCoffroad's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Georgia
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6
Default

Originally Posted by djb383
Are u sure all those good things u've heard are about the 15w40......and not the 5W40?????????
Positive i actually read about them on this exact same forum
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:09 PM
  #12  
SeriousOffroad's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 17
Model: Cherokee
Default

I use Valvoline 5w-30.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:12 PM
  #13  
SamSissine2's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Originally Posted by ACCoffroad
Whats a good 5w40 out there? Im not sold on the 0's ive heard that they break down quicker.
All Synthetics
Mobil1 0w-40 European, T6 5-40, Royal Purple 5w-30 or 0w-40, Valvoline SynPower 5w-30

These are great choices year round but these are really just my preferences in oil. I always try to stick with a brand and just stock up when it goes on sale as the DIY Oil Change Special.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:12 PM
  #14  
djb383's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: The Republic of TEXAS
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
Default

Ok......if you're positive......'cause the 15W40 is plain ol' thick conventional motor oil, while the 5W40 is synthetic.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2011 | 03:15 PM
  #15  
SeriousOffroad's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,952
Likes: 17
Model: Cherokee
Default

Rotella 15W40 is not plain 'ol gas burner oil.

It is a diesel motor oil with a high zinc content. The EPA mandated the removal of zinc from gas engine oils years ago but it is still available in some diesel motor oils.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:53 AM.