Oil Brand Change Effects

Thinking about trying the Shell T4 Rotella for a change, considering it's cheaper and potentially just as good as what I've been using.
Been using Brad Penn V-2 10w40 and wonder if it is advisable to change brands after running the same stuff for a few years, and what the effects would be on the engine, and if in-fact it would protect the engine components as well?

Can't find much info on that V2 oil. Even checked Bob is the Oil Guy. Was hoping to find some zinc and phosphorus levels. Typically Brad Penn oils have a healthy dose of ZDDP. Rotella T4 is tried and true in motorcycles so I don't think you have any reason to be concerned. How often are you going to change the oil? Only problem that occurs with motorcycles is that they shear down the viscosity and turn your 10W-40 or 15W-40 into 30 weight in about 3000 miles. This is just a general comment, not specific to KZ engines or what have you. At any rate, I don't think you can go wrong with either of those two oils. Only question is how often to change it.

Personally I don't think the brand matters as much as the oil gets changed once in awhile. The Concours 1000 guys are ending up with some pretty high mileage motors using Rotella T4. Concours owners group gives out mileage awards at 50k, 100K, 150K etc up to 300K And believe it or not there a few documented C10's at 300K. An advantage of a water cooled motor. Again, I don't think the brand is as important as regular oil changes and preventative maintenance. but I also understand brand loyalty.

For the 900 I use either Dino Motul or Valvoline 10 40 and change the filter at every change.
For the Councours 14 I use Valvoline 10 40 synthetic. No reason other than it is available.

Will an oil brand change effectively clean grunge-deposits from areas the old oil wouldn't touch, like rinsing the fibrous clutch disks, piston interiors, and within the transmission, etc?
If so, would it be wise to change the new oil sooner than 3000 miles, to rid that material from the engine?

I use Rotella and would recommend it to all KZ owners. I would not worry about making the change from another brand and doubt it needs to be changed before 3000 miles. But it wouldnt hurt if it makes you more comfortable
DaveB)

daveo wrote: Will an oil brand change effectively clean grunge-deposits from areas the old oil wouldn't touch, like rinsing the fibrous clutch disks, piston interiors, and within the transmission, etc?
If so, would it be wise to change the new oil sooner than 3000 miles, to rid that material from the engine?

I doubt the Rotella will clean the engine better than the Penn V2, which is fine oil in it's own right. Just keep to your normal change schedule.

I switched to Rotilla and my oil burning went away. It's just as clean inside as when I used Castrol GTX 20-50 and seems to run better. This tear down will show what the pistons look like among other things. Last week I had to go to my daughters to maybe change a head gasket.
SHE WAS OUT OF OIL.:ohmy: They were putting 5-30 Castrol. The car has 150,000+ on it. I made her get Rotilla, put it in and the car runs like it did 50,000 miles ago. It doesn't seem to evaporate like the other oils do.
Steve

I'll be going with the Rotella next oil change...
It should be the T4 15w 40, correct?

Steve, did you use the same Rotella oil in the car engine?

Yes on both points. With her car it has a hydraulic cam chain tensioner. I told her if the oil pressure is gone, she can bend some valves. :ohmy: I think she'll stay on it now.:whistle: