API CK-4 and FA-4 engine oils will be available Dec. 1

API CK-4, FA-4 engine oils will be available Dec. 1

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) new diesel engine oil standards, API CK-4 and FA-4, will begin appearing in the marketplace on licensed products and marketing materials. This means consumers will be able to easily identify the API CK-4 or FA-4 category oils that are expected to be recommended in new owners’ manuals and by engine manufacturers.

Earlier this year, API’s Lubricants Group approved the new API CK-4 and FA-4 specifications to address the varying needs of engine technologies—aging, new, and in use, both on- and off-highway—and to help diesel engine manufacturers meet more stringent emissions requirements.

“Dec. 1 is an industry milestone as it marks the first day new API CK-4 and FA-4 engine oils can be marketed and sold on retail shelves or in bulk,” said Kevin Ferrick, senior manager of API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS). “The time between approval of the categories last winter and the first licensing on Dec. 1 gave large, medium, and small oil marketers the ability to test their new formulations and ready them for market. This signals the culmination of almost 9 years of cross-industry collaboration in the development of the new standards.”

WATCH: Three things to know about the new engine oil categories

API CK-4 oils will replace current API CJ-4 engine oils and will be backward compatible with most applications where engine manufacturers currently recommend CJ-4. The new CK-4 oils will provide a number of improvements over CJ-4, including improved shear stability, oxidation resistance, and aeration control. API FA-4 oils will provide similar improvements over CJ-4 oils, but it is important to note that FA-4 oils are only intended for use in newer on-highway diesel engines. FA-4 oils will have limited or no backward compatibility with on- and off-highway diesel engines where engine manufacturers recommended CJ-4. While not specifically backward compatible, FA-4 oils are expected to play an important role in some current and new diesel engines by protecting those engines and at the same time helping them meet more stringent emissions requirements.

fa-4 ck-4

CK-4 and FA-4 oils are designed for different applications. This means technicians and consumers will need to check their owner’s manuals or with engine manufacturers to determine which oil is right for their vehicle. API developed two visually different API Service Symbol Donuts so that consumers can easily distinguish between the two categories. The new API FA-4 Donut features a shaded section to differentiate API FA-4 oils from CK-4 oils. The API CK-4 Donut will look the same as the current CJ-4 Donut.

To find out if you are supposed to use CK-4 or FA-4 oil, check with your owner’s manual and your engine manufacturer. You can also visit DieselOilMatters.com for more information about the new API CK-4 and FA-4 service categories and their use in on- and off-highway diesel vehicles and equipment.

 

You May Also Like

The 7 EV battery lessons we learned at ACT Expo

Battery experts weigh in on long-life vs. high-density, the residual value of older EVs, ethically sourcing EV battery materials and more.

ACT-Battery-Panel-1400

For some fleets, adopting their first electric trucks might feel like taking a leap of faith simply because there are so many unknowns – many of which revolve around the true viability of the electric powertrain. What will the next generation of battery chemistries bring to trucking? Will the new electric truck you buy today hold its value better than a new diesel truck would five or 10 years down the road? How can we give higher consideration to ethics issues on the path to more sustainable operations?

Thermo King introduces the third-gen. TriPac Auxiliary Power Unit

The company says the third-generation TriPac APU is available in two different models to help customers meet emission regulations.

Thermo-King-APU-1400
Western Global offers transportable, on-site refueling tank

The TransCube can be stacked up to three high when empty and two high when full.

Western-Global-TransCube
Carrier Transicold debuts Supra eCool electric truck refrigeration unit series

The company notes that the Supra e9 and e11 units will provide comparable refrigeration performance to its diesel-powered predecessor.

Carrier-transicold-ev-ref-units
The keys to properly securing unique cargo

With the wide range of cargo types, unique materials and geometric shapes and the significant mass of some loads, there is a lot to consider.

Sythetic-Chain-Lashing-1-1400jpg

Other Posts

Cargo securement tips for International Roadcheck 2023

A brief educational triage to help you refresh your memory on proper cargo securement before International Roadcheck 2023.

cargo-securement-International-Roadcheck
Cummins, Accelera emphasize decarbonization, hydrogen at ACT Expo

The company showcased technologies including electrolyzers to produce hydrogen that can power both a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine concept truck and a fuel cell electric powertrain.

Cummins-natural-gas
Hyliion unveils Karno electric range extender powertrain at ACT Expo

The Karno technology is a linear motor heat generator that leverages 3D metal-printed components and proprietary flameless oxidation technology to produce clean electricity.

Hyliion-hero-1
Dana introduces Spicer Electrified e-Transmissions for commercial vehicles

Dana says the powertrain accommodates a diverse range of medium-duty applications, such as straight trucks, walk-in vans, refuse trucks, utility trucks and platform trucks.

Dana-Spicer-etransmission