RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Rotella T6 5W-40

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Old 11-04-13, 11:04 AM
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ghuns
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Default Rotella T6 5W-40

So apparently Rotella ain't just for diesels anymore. I have an Audi A4 1.8t and have read some stellar results of the T6 in that particular application.

Anyone use it yet in a RX350? I can't imagine it could be a bad thing.

That 1.8t is seriously rough on oil and I've seen test results from 10K mile oil changes that were great.

Opinions?
Old 11-04-13, 11:54 AM
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alchemist
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Looks like a good oil. Seems to have good shear stability and extended oil capability and even low temp flow down to -30 degrees or so. I use to have an Audi S4, which had the 2.7t and was rough on oil too.
Old 11-04-13, 02:21 PM
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RX330inFL
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The RX is not all that tough on oil from what I have found. Even after some of my long trips up and down the east coast at extended highway speeds the oil has looked very good during oil changes. While the Rotella T6 might peak some interest, the fact that it is 5W40 makes it a bit heavier an oil than I would prefer to run in my RX330. It is also not a bargain as it looks to be more expensive than Mobil 1. Instead of heavier, thoughts should be leaning more to finding 0W20 synthetics for easier flow in most all conditions.

Now, if I was looking for an oil for use in a turbocharged vehicle the Rotella T6 might have a stronger interest.
Old 11-04-13, 04:13 PM
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Denvermgb
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I have seen Rotella at Advance Auto and Wal-Mart for very competitive prices. I always thought it was designed for turbodiesel trucks.
Old 11-04-13, 04:22 PM
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RX330inFL
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Originally Posted by Denvermgb
I have seen Rotella at Advance Auto and Wal-Mart for very competitive prices. I always thought it was designed for turbodiesel trucks.
That was something the OP pointed out. Seems that Shell has released a new Rotella product for gasoline engines. It is available from the same sources as their diesel engine products.

As for pricing, the container I have seen for Rotella is 1 gallon in size. Mobil 1, as do many oil products, comes in a 5 quart/1.25 gallon container. So, make sure you are comparing same-with-same on your price comparisons.
Old 11-04-13, 09:55 PM
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maximizese
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I've been using Rotella T6 over the last 100K miles in my 01 VW Golf TDI. It's quite a bit less than the Mobil 1 Turbodiesel oil and it appears to hold up the same. I do a top-side oil change every 6 months or 15K miles. My brother-in-law uses T6 in his autocross Miata, Mazdaspeed3, and Integra Type R. I'm sure the Lexus would be fine, but I wouldn't extend the oil change interval without getting the oil analyzed.
Old 11-05-13, 07:50 AM
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hypervish
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A 40 weight is too thick especially for the VVT-I passages. In fact i'd recommend doing the opposite and going to a 20 weight (if you really want to change, or just use what you normally do).
Old 11-05-13, 10:16 AM
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lexus114
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Originally Posted by hypervish
A 40 weight is too thick especially for the VVT-I passages. In fact i'd recommend doing the opposite and going to a 20 weight (if you really want to change, or just use what you normally do).
I tried the 20 weight for a while with pretty good results. But it burned a little.
Old 11-05-13, 12:50 PM
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ghuns
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Originally Posted by hypervish
A 40 weight is too thick especially for the VVT-I passages. In fact i'd recommend doing the opposite and going to a 20 weight (if you really want to change, or just use what you normally do).
Call me a nut, but having only ONE oil in my garage for everything appeals to me. That was my only real motivation to switch. I will probably just stick with Mobile 1 for the RX. It is on an 60K mile streak for completely trouble free miles. I hate to jinx it.
Old 11-05-13, 12:54 PM
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Lexmex
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The 1st gen RX was tough on oil compared to the 2nd gen. Rotella has shown spectacular results in a lot of friend's vehicles and I saw this firsthand in Mexico during my time down there.
Old 11-14-13, 04:55 PM
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LophatRX
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Would any one consider using Royal Purple in their RX330. I usually take it in to get my oil changed at my mechanic but sometimes they are too busy. So I was considering doing my oil change myself. I use Royal Purple in my 09 XB. My RX has 157,000 miles on it now, and I know my shop usually uses a synthetic blend, what ever is factory recommended.
Old 11-14-13, 05:49 PM
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RX330inFL
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Originally Posted by LophatRX
Would any one consider using Royal Purple in their RX330. I usually take it in to get my oil changed at my mechanic but sometimes they are too busy. So I was considering doing my oil change myself. I use Royal Purple in my 09 XB. My RX has 157,000 miles on it now, and I know my shop usually uses a synthetic blend, what ever is factory recommended.
There would be nothing wrong in using Royal Purple 5W30 in your RX. The only thing which comes to mind is that you would want to make that a somewhat permanent switch. Not because of the product, rather, there is no sense in making the change for just one oil change or even every other oil change. If you are going DIY and select Royal Purple as your product of choice you should then make it permanent change and task you perform. I would say the same thing for Mobil 1, Amsoil, or any other product.

Now, if your shop you normally frequent performs oil changes with Mobil 1 then you might think about that as your oil of choice. That way if you go DIY or if you have them make the change you are always using the same product. If your shop will perform oil changes with Royal Purple for you with a price you can accept then that would be a way to go as well.
Old 11-15-13, 07:49 AM
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Lexmex
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Originally Posted by LophatRX
Would any one consider using Royal Purple in their RX330. I usually take it in to get my oil changed at my mechanic but sometimes they are too busy. So I was considering doing my oil change myself. I use Royal Purple in my 09 XB. My RX has 157,000 miles on it now, and I know my shop usually uses a synthetic blend, what ever is factory recommended.
<------ is currently using RP 5W30 in their RX300.
Old 11-15-13, 08:44 AM
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LophatRX
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Yeah, I would consider doing my oil changes most of the time, if I did make the switch. I may only save about 10-20 bucks doing that, but at least I could do it on my time. I have plenty of time and the resources to change my oil myself. I just know Royal Purple is expensive so to speak and at 6.3 quarts with the cost of the filter and washer I see everyone talking about itt would cost around 40-45 to do the work myself.
Old 11-15-13, 10:10 AM
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KA8
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I use this oil in my Z as with many enthusiasts with high HP turbo engines. No complaints here. But I really don't see the benefit for NA applications


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