Rimula

[pdavies]

Does anyone know where I can buy 4 litre containers of Rimula X in Pembrokeshire? I have tried both chandlers and garages but have had no success to date

 

[PeterGibbs]

Re you setting yourself too tight a parameter for engine oil? Any compliant major marque engine oil will achieve the same result. I use Castrol or Mobil.

PWG

 

[VicS]

Shell claim its their best selling oil. Have you tried a Shell service station. There's a service station locator on their website.

 

[vyv_cox]

It's their best seller because it is used in truck engines, ones with high performance turbo-charged engines. If this is intended for a yacht auxiliary engine it is over-specified and may do harm to the engine.

 

[pdavies]

Thanks all for your advice. I have been using the Shell service station locator but without success. I will probably just use another brand for my oil change, although I am reluctant to discard the 3.5 litres of Rimula that I have.

 

[Piers]

I buy Rimula by the 100 ltrs in 25 litre containers. That brings the price way down, and delivery is free. Currently, it is 1.50 / ltr from Shells' outlet called Emo Oil on 01603 779011. Amounts less than 100 ltrs attrtact a 10 delivery fee.

 

[Leighb]

[ QUOTE ]
If this is intended for a yacht auxiliary engine it is over-specified and may do harm to the engine.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have attended a Diesel course by Tony Brooks last weekend, and he made this point quite strongly. He said check the engine manual, and do your best to find an oil with a spec no higher than that stated. "Modern" high performance oils in a low power yacht engine may increase the risk of bore glazing.

 

[VicS]

It is a fair point but I don't understand why everyone is assuming that this is for a low powered yacht auxiliary. It could just be that it is for a modern high performance turbocharged engine and that this is the oil recommended by the manufacturer.

Which ever it is wise to use the oil recommended or at least an equivalent.

It may be that one of the Catsrol Magnatec oils is a suitable alternative. If it is then Halfords may stock it. They have Magnatec 10W-40 and Magnatec 10w-40 Diesel I think you will find.

There is also chance also that it could be mixed with the remaining Rimula.

 

[Piers]

Rimula X (15W-40W) was recommended to me by Cummins for my Cummins 450C engines. It fits their oil spec. Call Emo with the spec stated by the engine manufacturer for your engine and they'll recommend. You can always cross check their recommendation with the engine manufacturer.

 

[Steve_N]

All Rimula products have gone from the shelves of my local Shell garage, having been replaced by the Helix range.

I think that Rimula-X 15w/40 has 'become' Shell Helix Diesel Super 15w/40, though perhaps Rimula is still available elsewhere.

Shell Helix

 

[pdavies]

I was surprised at the comments regarding Rimula as a high performance oil and implying it should not be used in small boat auxilliaries. I have been using it in a Bukh DV24 on the advice of the manufacturer. In fact it is one of only two readily available oils that are regarded by Bukh as suitable for both gearbox and engine.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Forget brands and trade names. Go by the American Petroleum Industry (API) performance grades. See Oil Grades for further information. Every can of oil should have the API rating on it - something like CF-4 (Compression Ignition F-4 spec) or whatever. The link will tell you which grade is used for what, and wil tel you which grades are obsolete (your engine handbook will probably quote an obsolete spec) and which grades are suitable to replace the old obsolete specs.

Note: the spec issue is separate from the viscosity issue.

Also, you can mix different manufacturers without fear if the specs are the same. Though the manufacturers won't say that out loud! They usually pussyfoot by saying 'MyOil can be used to replace others with the same spec. However, you shouldn't add 'OtherOil' to 'MyOil' (omitting the key same spec clause!)