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Rotella CK4 -WARNING-

20K views 53 replies 24 participants last post by  Calculated Risk 
#1 ·
Quote posted on FB, Lake Speed Jr, Driven Oil:

Just an FYI, we tested the new formula Rotella (CK-4 instead of the old CJ-4). Even with a bottle of Comp 159 Break-In additive, it did not end well. Granted, our break-in test is pretty tough - 145 lbs seat pressure, 350 open. Still, we broke-in 6 cams with 4 different break-in oils without any issues before the new Rotella + 159 killed a cam. This post is just an FYI to anyone using Diesel oils for break-in, etc...
 
#36 ·
Where did you hear VR1 10-30 was not good stuff.
I did post it poured like water and my oil pressure dropped.. but that could be drain back issues.. Or the 10% more volume oil pump.

Or I need to quit cruising at 4000+ rpm.
My 306" ford would suck the pan dry no matter what oil I used with the HV oil pump at 4200 rpm if i stayed in it for a minute or longer at that RPM.

I kept the VR1 in my ride for 2500 miles or about a month and had no other issues with it other than the above.
 
#38 ·
If I remember correctly Ashland is where Valvoline is made....
 
#41 ·
When its all said and done.............. 36.000 Miles on my 468 B.B. using Brad Penn. Many years of operating my one owner 454-4-Sp. Again on B. Penn.
Both are flat tappet engines. I will stay out of this conversation and continue to use B. Penn oil. :thumbsup:
Bob
P.S.
Using the wrong oil in your class 7-8 road tractor. How about 2 to 4 grand to replace the Re/ Gen system & Electronics on your- K W or Petercar !
 
#43 ·
Ford has not approved CK-4 in any of their diesel trucks, new and old. They have tested it and found excessive engine wear from the CK-4. FOMOCO has a list of approved oils and Rotella 5W-40 has not been approved.
 
#47 ·
Well 540rat, sir, that is quite a bit of reading-and I'm not talking about your post here.

It is the best and most comprehensive listing of oil testing and performance. Thank you for your extensive work and sharing it.

I will say I'm surprised at the numbers of what many people, including myself, considered good oil.
 
#48 ·
Since Im walking by this dead horse,lol,I will say this.
Its a fact that my flat tappet cam manufacturer(Melling) included a card suggesting three oils for break in,all three of them off the shelf diesel oils.
Its also a fact I added a bottle of Zddp for extra protection.
Its also a fact that the cam broke in well,and the motor is strong and healthy to this day.
 
#49 ·
Chris how long ago was that cam purchased and installed? I also broke in my cam with diesel oil, but it was before these new formulas were being marketed.
 
#50 ·
It was my 468 build for the chevelle,October,2015.
I used Rotella(from mellings recommended break in oils card),but someone hed remarked to me that I had better use the additive also because the oil might not be what it used to be.
I know mellings didnt actually make the cam,its the made in USA company that makes them for a few people.I think theyre in Michigan,but Im not sure.
 
#52 ·
That's a safe response,lol.IDK,the card was in the cambox.
I got the feeling(I forget why now)that the cam was pretty new.There was a holdup on shipping from them or something.
My idea was to use exactly what they had told me to use,just in case something had gone wrong.
 
#53 ·
Yeah I thought so too 😊.

Using what was recommended on the cam card covers you if something would have gone wrong. I would have done the same, my paper work said nothing about the oil to use. My cam break in was done in 08.
 
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