The PQIA has received a significant number of inquiries from readers asking if and when PQIA will take a look at the new CK-4 and FA-4 diesel engine oils. The answer is “yes” we will be looking at both as they enter the market and PQIA already has samples in the laboratory for testing. Results for the first group of samples will be published in the next two weeks.
For those unfamiliar with CK-4 and FA-4, take note, these heavy duty engine oils (HDEO) were approved for first use by the API on December 1, 2016 and they are now on the street.
With enhanced oxidation and high temperature high shear (HTHS) stability, and superior aeration resistance, CK-4 offers an opportunity to further extend drain intervals and improve engine durability. Building on these advantages, FA-4 HDEO offers improved fuel economy (up to 0.5 to 0.7% higher for the same viscosity grade, 10W-30 FA-4 vs. 10W-30 CK-4) and reduced greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.
As expected, since the specifications are new, the list of questions and concerns the market has about CK-4 and FA-4 is long. Answers to some of the questions are addressed in an article written by PQIA’s president Thomas Glenn that appeared in the March 2017 issue of Lubes”n”Greases magazine. The chart below is excerpted from the article. CLICK FOR THE ARTICLE.
Links to other articles related to API CK-4 and FA-4 published in Lubes’n’Greases Magazine and Lube Report are shown below:
From Lubes’n’Greases Magazine:
- It’s Always Something, Jan. 2017, p.6
- Heavy-duty drain intervals, November 2016, p. 6
- Is there Life in Universal Oils?, December 2016, p. 42
- Phillips 66 and CK-4, May 2016, p. 44
- Anybody Know What CK-4 Means?, April 2016, p. 6
From Lube Report:
- Ford Shuns New Heavy Duty Oils, Nov. 9, 2016
- API Oils Available Dec. 1
- Shell Unveils CK-4/FA-4 Strategy, Aug. 10, 2016
- API Clarifies Diesel Oil Categories, June 8
