Quote:
Originally Posted by gregsfc
"API Service Classification SG or higher except oils labeled as energy conserving or resource conserving on the circular API service label, SAE 10W30, JASO T 903 standard MA, Pro Honda GN4 4-stroke oil (USA & Canada) or Honda 4-stroke oil, or an equivalent motorcycle oil."
So it's all a little confusing to me. I totally get that there are different organizations in different areas of the world; European, Japanese, and North American that have different classification systems. The North American system is API and that's where we get the requirement for at least SG and not having "energy conserving" or "resource conserving" on the label and any engine oil at or above this level is approved. The Japanese classification JASO is where the JASO T 903 MA comes from. And the European standard ACEA but that spec is not addressed in my manual, but it is the two other classifications beyond API that make me not want to use an engine oil designed specifically for meeting clean diesel specs.
Issue 1: It looks like to me, that even though API is fine with Rotella T5 10W30 for my bike (SM and no energy conserving or resource conserving on the label), as far as I can tell, both ACEA E9 and JASO DH-2 approval level does not approve this oil for my bike, as those are both commercial, heavy-duty engine specs only and do not address suitability for a motorcycle dual lubing necessity.
(SNIP)
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There's nothing in (or left out of) a diesel oil that makes it unsuitable for use in a cycle engine - unlike current auto oils. If you are fine adding standard auto oil to your cycle engine you would be way ahead using a diesel oil.
Rotella T6 has been certified JASO-MA, and according to the Shell Tech Rep I spoke with, all Rotella multigrade oils have the same additive package. Shell decided not to take all of its Rotella multigrade oils through the certification process. If that's true, T5 should have the equivalent rating. The real issue is friction modifiers (moly) - which diesel oils don't have. They do have safe levels of ZDDP though - unlike current auto oils.
Don't take my word for it, do some checking around as to the suitability of Rotella oils in cycle engines.