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Shell introduces engine oil line-up

Shell Lubricants unveiled a revamped Shell Rotella Energized Protection truck engine oil product line and two new products, one a 5W-40 full synthetic, and the other a 10W-30 synthetic blend, at Shell-sponsored Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, N.C.

The line-up will be consolidated under what Shell describes as “an easy to understand ladder of protection.” During the first quarter of 2010, the Shell Rimula, Pennzoil Long Life and Quaker State HDX products will be renamed and become part of the Shell Energized Protection lineup. In addition, all API CI-4 Plus diesel engine oils will be eliminated in favor of API CJ-4-qualified lubricants.

Shell will also be promoting its claim of a wear reduction rate of up to 22 percent with its Energized Protection formulations.

The lineup will include two new oils. The flagship lubricant will be Shell Rotella T6 full synthetic 5W-40 engine oil, a new CJ-4 formulation Shell says “delivers 34 percent better wear performance on average compared to the previous API CI-4 Plus 5W-40 formulation.” The oil offers both extended drain capability and energy savings potential as compared with Shell Rotella 15W-40, with the dollar savings estimated at up to $750 per truck per year. Easier cranking also means a reduction in battery and starter maintenance cost, said Dan Arcy, OEM technical manager.

The other new oil will be Shell Rotella T5 synthetic blend, offered in both 10W-40 and 10W-30 viscosity grades. Both will offer fuel economy benefits and improved low temperature flow, with the 10W-30 rating providing up to an estimated $800 in fuel savings per year per truck, while also reducing starter and battery maintenance, according to Arcy.

Asked how a 10W-30 can protect an engine as well as a 15W-40, Arcy said a critical key is that the oil provides “good shear stability.” This means it stays at the proper viscosity in spite of stresses in an engine. The critical issue, he said, is “optimum film thickness,” provided by the oil’s shear stability and other characteristics, Arcy said. The oil has gained approvals from Cummins, Mack and Volvo.

Arcy also elaborated on the meaning of Energized Protection, explaining it as “a range of formulations that physically and chemically adapt to operating conditions.” Viscosity and friction modifiers are curled up small at cold start, enabling the oil to flow easily, but when subjected to heat in certain areas of the engine, they unwind, stretch and provide a protective film.

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