Diesel engine motor oil vs. regular (non-diesel) oil

1264 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by RCinSTP, Oct 24, 2017

RCinSTP

Discussion Starter · Oct 23, 2017

The Bentley manual recommends using 5w40 or 10w40 motor oil. I went to my local auto parts store and the only 5w40 oil they sold was Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic, so I used that when I changed my oil. At the time I didn't notice the fine print on the label saying it was heavy duty Diesel engine oil. Is it ok to use this in my car?

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woodardhsd

· #2 · Oct 23, 2017

Yes, it's a great oil. It's not VW 502 approved, but there are plenty of oil analysis reports floating around that confirm this. I've been using it for the last few years in my Passat, as well as my Cummins powered Ram.

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GermanGuy

· #3 · Oct 23, 2017

Look at back of the bottle, it has a a circular logo with API ( American Petrolium Institute), for example CK, the C stands for compression ( diesel) grade "K", if it has for example: SM, S for spark ( gas engine), grade "M" .

Not sure on your oil but a lot are dual rated: ok for gas and diesel engines.

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ylwagon

· #4 · Oct 23, 2017

I don't know about this one, but in the past one issue was catalytic converter compatibility with additives in diesel oil (I think!).

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deadend9009

· #5 · Oct 23, 2017

ylwagon said:
I don't know about this one, but in the past one issue was catalytic converter compatibility with additives in diesel oil (I think!).

You're thinking for the newer TDI engines with the DPF. Those can't use unapproved oils like the Rotella T6 as it may clog the DPF. For our B5 passats, including the B5.5 TDI, the Rotella T6 can be used without issues.

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PZ

· #6 · Oct 23, 2017

Used it for years without issue. I also use Mobil1 5W40 as it's often cheaper at Walmart than the Rotella T6 for the last year.

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RCinSTP

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 24, 2017

Thanks for the info. This pic is from the back of the container.

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RCinSTP

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 24, 2017

Thanks for tip about Walmart. The 2.5 gal. jug is $60 at Autozone and $53 at Walmart.

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