David414 289 #1 Posted 22 hours ago Switched over my 1989, 414-8 to shell Rotella T1 30 weight, based on recommendations from the members. My questions are, I have a 1994 MacKissic model 12P-8 shredder / chipper with 8 hp brigs, that requires SE, SF, SG, 30 weight. And a troy built roto tiller with a 7 hp. Kohler, model K161, that requires SC, CC, SD, or SE detergent. Can Shell Rotella T1 be used in both? I have a 2013 Toro 5060-time cutter, zero turn, with a 23 hp, Kawaski FR691V engine that requires API detergent, SF, SG, SH, SJ, or SL 30 weight. Can the Rotella T1 be used? 2008, Sears push mower with Briggs 6.5 hp engine. Requires API detergent, SG - SL, 30 weight. Can use Rotella T1? Trying to source only one oil for the different equipment and engines. All of the above equipment, except the 414-8, is used in warm months only, no winter use. Thanks, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skwerl58 750 #2 Posted 21 hours ago I use the Rotella t1 30w in all of my older flat head mowers and tiller engines. I use 10/30 in my ohv engines. I have had no issues using the Rotella in the old flat head engines. I live in SWVA and we have four seasons with moderate temps but if In a more extreme climate I would be more concerned with oil weight. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,560 #3 Posted 21 hours ago You are asking about using diesel oil in a gasoline engine. Here is a recent post showing the usual varied opinions. Personally I use oil made for engines of the type used on our small gasoline equipment, Kohler and Kinetix are two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,537 #4 Posted 21 hours ago Use Rotella and forget about it. This is the inside of a 48 yr. old K181. I've owned it about 5 years or so. Use Rotella 30W all year round. This is the inside of a K341 with over 1000 hrs. I bought it at 700 hrs. and the oil inside was black as coal and it smoked. Same thing I used Rotella 30W year round. Finally had a broken piston skirt. it was still running when I replaced it and tore it down. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 7,037 #5 Posted 21 hours ago (edited) I run 10/30 in my Briggs Vanguards. Rotella T1 all my old Kohlers, Briggs, Onan and Tecumseh they all 36 years old or older. Don't think they have tight tolerances that cause problems. The other reason years back you could go down to the local service station and fine thee or four different brands of 30w oil, now you can't fine 30w at most places. Edited 20 hours ago by Lee1977 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,243 #6 Posted 20 hours ago The label on the last pail of oil I picked up has Diesel Engine Oil as the predominate info on it. In the fine print it lists CD CE CF compatible with the C = compression type = diesel engine Also SD SE SF compatible with the S = spark type = gasoline engine Once I read the fine print I was good to go. Thought I was out of luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,970 #7 Posted 20 hours ago The Rotella products have a decent amount of zinc in them - something that flat tappet engines NEED..... Kohlers are flat tappet engines..... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ineedanother 1,396 #8 Posted 13 hours ago I run Rotella in both my diesel generator and gas small engines. I run what's appropriate for the climate and been led to believe that detergent should be used if filtered and non-detergent otherwise. Reason being that detergent oil causes contaminants to float and circulate to the filter, whereas non-detergent is more apt to allow contaminants to gather in the sump. I change oil regularly and have never had reason to be concerned about it beyond that. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 13,735 #9 Posted 11 hours ago (edited) I have no choice but to keep it simple. My engine inventory is limited, so it makes it easy. Flat tappet engines with splash lube: Rotella 30W. Full pressure lubricated engines: both Vanguard and Kohler make thier own synthetic oils with added zinc. My Vanguard 14-23hp engines run 5W30, my 26hp runs 15W40. I've seen Amsoil in small engine multi-weight versions with zinc additives but haven't tried them. Onan P-series of course breaks the rule. I run Rotella here because it's one of the few high quality 30W oils still available. Edited 11 hours ago by kpinnc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger R 458 #10 Posted 11 hours ago Incidentally, AMSOIL makes a synthetic oil strictly for all small engines. I have been using it in everything with good results so far. My snowblower tractor cranks over in the very coldest weather as fast as it does in summer. Sure helps in cold weather starting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites